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You face a steep learning
curve, and there is little time in your term for mistakes. You need
expertise in many areas.
Policy
The board’s primary function is setting policy. Board members must keep abreast of educational trends and ever-changing federal and state statutes, regulations and court rulings.
Human
Resources
The school district, ESD or community college is often the largest employer in a community.
Selecting an executive to manage the school system is among your most important decisions. Education faces unique labor-market challenges and, because labor costs
comprise the majority of your budget, you need to stay informed
about personnel and labor-market trends.
Finance
Education is big business.
School budgets run in the millions of dollars. Determining educational priorities and allocating the budget requires specialized knowledge and continuing board development.
School
Curriculum
The content and scope of what is taught in the classroom is key to the board’s role as policymaker. Decisions must be made on content, materials and methods of instruction. Education must meet acceptable community standards as well as national, state and local mandates for school improvement. Being well-informed and
up to date is essential.
Communications
The board’s charge includes being accountable and
responsive to the community in meeting the needs of the schools and students. Public trust, understanding and support are built on good
communication. OSBA provides communications services and teaches
you communications skills.
Governance
OSBA’s leadership development programs help boards
govern effectively and efficiently so they can stay focused on student
achievement above all else. A
message from Executive Director Kevin
McCann |
