Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions. If you do not see your question here, feel free to contact us.
Ohio’s school board members, one of the largest groups of elected officials in the state, are charged with one of the major responsibilities in government — providing the best educational opportunities possible for the youth of Ohio and governing the school district. OSBA seeks to raise the profile of board service and encourage high-caliber candidates to run for office. Learn more about becoming a board member in the video "What it takes to be a school board member."
View other testimonials from Ohio school board members
What does a school board do?
The role and function of board members often are misinterpreted by the public. The board is a policymaking body, and members are the chief advisers to the superintendent on community attitudes. Board members do not manage the day-to-day operations of a school district; they see to it that the system is managed well by professional administrators.
The broadest definition of a school board’s role is that it acts as the governance team for the school district. The board’s most important roles are to:
- Employ the superintendent and treasurer.
- Work closely with these administrators to establish and set policy, vision and long-range goals and oversee the district’s policy manual.
- Be accountable for the fiscal health and opportunities provided to the district’s students and families. A board member legally cannot act independently of the board.
The board as a body directs the district through actions at meetings that are open to the public. Once a board’s decision has been made, each board member should support the board. When in the community, board members should be good listeners. However, individual board members don’t have the authority to make promises on behalf of the board. Board members do not evaluate staff, other than the superintendent and treasurer, nor do they typically become involved in employment interviews, other than those of the superintendent, treasurer and, if the district has one, business manager. Board members may be consulted during the hiring process for other positions, such as assistant superintendent.
Visit the Resources webpage to view videos on what it takes to be a school board member and an overview of school board candidacy or visit the OSBA website to learn more about the responsibilities of being a school board member.
Effective school board members:
- Know that they can legally act as a board member only when the board of education is in session. No single person can act for the board. No board member, unless authorized, should speak on behalf of the board.
- Avoid administrative decisions. The superintendent is the chief administrator, and the board has no administrative function.
- Are well acquainted with school policies.
- Vote at all times in the best interests of the school district.
- Remember that board business often requires confidentiality, especially in processes involving students, personnel, land acquisition, negotiations and security.
- Are interested in obtaining facts but also remembers that the administration is responsible for operating the schools and cannot spend all its time making reports to an individual board member.
- Know that the reputation of the entire school district is reflected in their behavior and attitude.
Eligibility requirements
In order to run for the board, you must be:
- a U.S. citizen,
- at least 18 years old,
- a resident of the school district,
- registered to vote in the school district for at least 30 days preceding the election.