All About School Boards: What They Are and Why They’re Important
For millions of Americans, the end of August means back-to-school season. Parents, students, and teachers across the country will shop at department and thrift stores for supplies, cram summer reading the week before the first day of school, and await the ringing of the first bell.
Of course, there is another key group of people involved in American education: the hundreds of people across the country serving on their local school board. You may have seen these local positions on your ballot, maybe even picked one at random. But did you know these are some of the most powerful elected positions in local politics?
In this blog, we’ll talk all about school boards — what they are, what positions they have, what they’re in charge of, and why they’re important.
What is the school board?
The school board is a group of local elected officials who oversee the management and direction of a public school district. They make key decisions that impact everything from the curriculum students learn to the budget that funds their education.
Basically, it’s the governing body that ensures schools run smoothly and effectively while responding to the needs and values of the constituency and community. For anyone involved in politics, understanding the role of the school board is essential — these local leaders have the power to shape education, experience, and equity in our schools.
What positions are on the school board?
A few key policy-focused positions you’ll see on your local school board are:
Board Members (Trustees): The core of the school board is made up of board members, also known as trustees. These individuals are elected by voters and serve as the voice of the public in the school district. They work together to make decisions on book bans, budgets, and other critical issues. The number of board members can vary depending on the size of the district, but they all share the responsibility of ensuring that the district is run effectively and in the best interest of the community.
Board President (Chair): The board president (or chairperson) is usually elected from among the board members. This person leads board meetings, helps set the agenda, and often serves as the public face of the board. The president is responsible for ensuring that meetings are orderly and productive. They may have additional responsibilities, such as representing the board at official events.
Superintendent: While not a voting member of the school board, the superintendent plays a critical role. Appointed by the board, the superintendent serves as the CEO of the district, executing the board’s policies and making day-to-day decisions. They provide the board with recommendations and updates on district operations and are responsible for implementing the board’s vision.
What is the school board in charge of?
Curriculum and Instruction: School boards set the standards for what students learn. They decide which textbooks are used, what courses are offered, and how subjects are taught. From deciding if sex education is included in health classes to choosing whether students learn history of anyone who wasn’t a straight white male, the school board's decisions shape the educational experience.
Budget and Finance: The school board is responsible for managing the district’s budget. They determine how money is spent, whether it’s on teacher salaries, new technology, or extracurricular programs. Their decisions can impact everything from class sizes, availability of arts or advanced classes, to the conditions of school buildings and whether students eat healthy lunches..
School Policies: School boards establish policies on everything from student behavior to how teachers are evaluated. They create rules around school safety, gendered bathrooms, dress codes, and even how to handle bullying or try to prevent shootings. These policies directly affect the day-to-day lives of students and staff.
Community Relations: School boards act as a bridge between the school district and the community. They’re supposed to be responsible for making sure that the schools reflect the values and needs of the people they serve. This includes engaging with parents, students, and local organizations to gather input and foster collaboration.
Why you should care about your local school board
School board races have gotten crazy.
Only a few years ago, school board members were elected in largely sleepy elections that barely required campaigning. But MAGA (rightly) saw a roadmap to power and a way to shape local policy and conversations with very little investment.
Their extremism resulted in madness across the country: attacking kids for being different, refusing to teach history to prevent Americans from solving our own problems, gutting public education funding to give tax breaks to the rich, turning education over to corporations, union busting, and generally setting up future generations for massive failure.
As a result of this and ugly political tactics like doxxing and harassment, these races are more high-profile and expensive than ever. And they’re taking a toll on the Democratic candidates running in them (especially if they are women or BIPOC).
Please pay attention.
Your local school board election is one of the most impactful ways you can influence the quality and direction of education in your community. School board members make critical decisions about what students learn, how funds are spent, and what policies shape the school environment. These choices directly affect not just students, but also teachers, parents, and the community as a whole.
If you’re thinking, I’m not a student, teacher, or politician. I don’t know anyone involved in the educational field. School boards don’t affect my life. First, it’s unlikely that you don’t know or care for anyone that public education directly affects. Do you have a younger cousin in college? A niece or nephew in elementary school? A friend with a child who just started 7th grade?
But here’s the thing: quality public education isn’t just about what students do in school. Great public school systems alleviate poverty, reduce crime, and grow the economy. That means your experience in your community will improve as a result of a school board that’s willing to make a positive difference.
When deciding your vote, consider candidates’ positions on key issues like curriculum, equity, and budget priorities. Look for those who align with your values and have a clear vision for improving local schools. Your vote in a school board election can help ensure that the schools in your area reflect the needs and aspirations of everyone in the community.
At Evinco, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of school board elections and advocate for policies that align with progressive values. Book a FREE 15-minute consultation to see how we can help you!