Board Responsibilities and Function

By Patrick W. Maple

A School Board is more than just yeas and nays!

They are the touters of teachers and their programs The are the "outside of the box eyes and ears" for their schools. Keeping track of trends and tracks for the future.

Board members are to be the most proactive and positive people in the District. They should be learning the newest technology, methods and curriculum in order to decide if it is worth the cost, fits the District or is even useful in the educational system. The "next new thing" may end up being more of a problem than a solution.

A Board member is the "lookout or point man" for the trends in the job market, extended education (colleges), curriculum and teaching methods. Does it work, will they work.

A Board member is the FISCAL VOICE of the District. They decide where funding is needed, wanted and used. All of this has to be decided without personal prejudices, likes of their own or bias. After all they are not the ones who will have to go into the world unprepared or clueless.

Board members are the scrutinizers of policies, people and functions. Is the outcome what was needed or expected? In reality a good Board member is the research department for the student, teacher and parent. A Board member must be able to discern the capabilities of the Superintendent and Principals and whether or not they are doing Their jobs.