Running for Office and the School Board

[Jkid]

From what I heard from the internet, the best way to run for public office is to start small. In most cases, running for a position for the school board (aka the Board of Education). Question is what there for me to do at a school board? Local news rarely covers it, and every election involving the election of the school board I don't know who to vote for the school board because they don't actually campaign publicly.

What can I do as a member of the Board of Education if elected?

[blaze]

1. Go to a few meetings

In my school district, the Board meets once a month.

I would suggest you go to three of four board meetings and see what you think after that.

[cloudbase]

2. Quite a bit, actually.

You'll be responsible for hiring and overseeing the performance of the district's superintendent. The board will approve any policy changes and district expenditures. There are discipline matters from staff and students that are decided at the board level. If your district is growing, you'll have to approve the purchase of properties for future school sites. You'll have to answer to a small but very vocal section of your public.

You'll not always be working for the people that elect you. Your first responsibility is to the students, then to the taxpayers. The elections are generally low turnout.

I would recommend that you go to a year of board meetings before you decide if you want the job. You'll find it educational, and you'll get to know some of the people you'll be working with should you get elected.

[Jkid]

3. What about real change to the school district?

Like adding curriculum changes to require teachers to instruct pupils on the mechanics of state and local government? Real sexual education?

[cloudbase]

4. Maybe, maybe not.

There are some things that can be done locally, but at least in Texas, most of the requirements are formulated at the state level. You'll quickly learn what an unfunded mandate is.