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 — to provide the best educational opportunities possible for the youth of Ohio and to manage and control the political subdivision of the school district. OSBA seeks to raise the profile of board service and encourage high-caliber candidates to run for office.
View other testimonials from Ohio school board members
What does a school board do?
The broadest definition of a school board’s role is that it acts as the governance team for the school district. It is important that the board is a positive and responsible liaison between the school district and community. School boards adopt policy and oversee the district’s policy manual. The board’s most important roles are to
- employ the superintendent and treasurer;
- work closely with them to establish and set policy, vision and long-range goals
- be accountable for the fiscal health and opportunities provided to the district’s students and families.
Board member responsibilities
The role and function of board members often are misinterpreted by the public. The board is a policymaking body and members are the chief advisors 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.
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, business manager and treasurer. Board members may be consulted during the hiring process for other positions, such as assistant superintendent.
Visit the OSBA website to learn more about the responsibilities of being a school board member.
What makes an effective school board member?
The answer to this question can have as many different answers as there are board members. In a broad sense, you must be willing to make a personal commitment. Understand that as a board member you have tremendous influence, but decision-making is done by the entire board and not by any one individual. Be willing to accept that there will be times when your opinions or feelings are not entirely represented in a final decision. It is the collective will of the board that prevails, and the best board members understand that board decisions must serve the best interests of the community and district students. It requires the ability to listen critically and objectively, conduct appropriate research, continue to learn and discuss issues openly with all parties before a decision is made.
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 state for at least 30 days preceding the election,
- a resident of the school district for at least 30 days preceding the election,
- registered to vote in the school district for at least 30 days preceding the election.