What makes a good school board member?

On Tuesday, Sept. 12, Iowans will head to the polls to vote for the men and women who will govern the education of more than 483,000 students. Local communities elect school board members every other year for four-year terms; in some cases, a majority of seats will be open. The Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) urges the public to make education a priority by paying attention to local campaigns and voting on Sept. 12.
For the Lake Mills District, incumbents Don Knudtson and Kristie Smith were the only two candidates to file papers for the election.
While there is no "ideal" board member profile, IASB suggests voters consider seven important questions to elect effective board members.
1. What are the candidate's views on priorities that will improve academic achievement for all students? As the local governance team, board members play an integral role in ensuring that each district can set goals and plans for improvement. Consider candidates who can clearly articulate their views on the major needs of students today, and how the schools can meet those needs.
2.  Does the candidate understand the role of governance vs. management? The school board's role is about the big picture—setting the direction for the district, and providing oversight and accountability—rather than day-to-day management. School boards are elected to set policy and direction, not to run the districts themselves. The board's role is to ensure the district has competent management in the superintendent.
3.  Does the candidate focus on one issue or discuss a broad range of school district concerns? A school board has a broad array of responsibilities, and the most effective board members are able to focus beyond a single issue of concern.
4.  Does the candidate’s approach make it likely that he or she will be able to work effectively with the rest of the board to get things done? Individual members have no authority outside the actions taken at the board meeting, by majority vote of the board, acting as a corporate body. Look for board candidates who respect differing views, listen well to make an informed decision, can communicate well and act with fairness and consistency.
5.  Will the candidate enhance the mix of skills and backgrounds on the board and help represent the diversity of the community? Citizens may also wish to consider the overall make-up of the board, so that a diversity of backgrounds and skills is included on the board as a whole.
6.  Can the candidate act with professionalism and integrity when monitoring district finances? School boards are the fiscal stewards of taxpayer dollars. They provide important oversight to ensure the taxpayers' investments in education have the most impact for the least cost, especially in tight budget times.
7.  Does the candidate have the time and energy required to be effective? Board members must have a commitment to public service, which requires hours of attending meetings, taking phone calls, listening to constituents and visiting schools. They also must have time to invest in their own learning process when it comes to understanding societal and educational trends.
Iowans can learn about the views of their local candidates by attending candidate forums, talking with candidates directly or reading interviews and articles.
IASB is a private, nonprofit organization representing Iowa's 333 public school districts, nine area education agencies and 15 community colleges.

Lake Mills Graphic

204 N. Mill Street
Lake Mills, IA 50450

Office Number: (641) 592-4222
Fax Number: (641) 592-6397

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