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Review
the board operations section of your district’s policy manual. |
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Know your board member code of ethics
backwards and forwards. (If you don’t
have one or can’t find it, contact OSBA.) [email] |
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Review
the board meeting minutes from the past half-dozen meetings to become
familiar with issues being discussed by the board. |
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Meet with
your superintendent to obtain a clear understanding of the district’s budget. Ask
lots of questions. |
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Assume
your position with an open mind. Abandon preconceived notions and hidden agendas,
including opinions about
administrators, teachers, and other staff and board members. |
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Remember,
you will be making decisions that affect the children of your district. Always keep their
best interest in mind. |
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Realize
that you don’t know everything, and capitalize on every opportunity to learn. |
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Expect to
be in the minority on board decisions once in a while and accept the majority decision
graciously. The time to voice your opinions about issues is before the vote is
taken. |
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Expect some board decisions
to be unpopular with your constituents or even the community
at large. |
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You have
only one vote. Your issues can only be successful if you convincetwo, three or
four (depending the size of your board) other board members to vote with you. |
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Do not
surprise your superintendent, administrators or your fellow board members at a public
meeting with unexpected comments or requests. |
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Be flexible and willing to compromise. |
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Be a good
listener. Superintendents, administrators, teachers, students and community members can
help you learn more about your job. |
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Stay
connected with your schools, teachers and students. |
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Your role
is to establish policy and set goals. It is up to the superintendent to manage the
district and get it where the board says it needs to go. |
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Learn
your
district’s chain of command. Refer all complaints to the proper person. |
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Understand
and abide by Oregon’s Public Meetings Law. |
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Have fun, and enjoy your role of helping kids! |
