What School Board Members Do (and Don't Do)

People run for school board for all kinds of reasons. A parent is frustrated by a bus route. A retired teacher wants to give back. A business owner worries about the tax rate. A pastor sees kids in his congregation falling behind. Every one of those reasons is a fine place to start.

But the job is different from what many candidates expect. The board doesn't run the schools. It governs the district, and it hires a professional to run it. Understanding that line will make you a stronger candidate and, if you win, a much more effective board member.

Governing, not managing

The National School Boards Association describes local school board members as the people who govern local school districts. State school boards associations put the division of labor plainly: the board sets direction and adopts policy, and the superintendent manages daily operations and carries out the board's decisions.

The board usually	The superintendent usually
Sets the district's vision and goals	Turns those goals into plans and programs
Adopts policies	Recommends policies and carries them out
Approves the budget and sets financial priorities	Prepares and manages the budget
Hires and evaluates the superintendent	Hires, supervises and evaluates staff
Listens to and reports to the community	Advises the board and works with staff and families daily

Details vary by state law and local policy. Some boards approve every hire the superintendent recommends. Others approve only senior positions. Some districts have an appointed board or a board that shares budget power with a county or city. Read your district's board policy manual to see exactly where the lines fall.

The big decisions a board makes

Hiring the superintendent. It may be the most consequential decision a board makes. The board also evaluates that person, commonly once a year.
Adopting the budget. Salaries, buildings, buses, technology and programs all flow from it. In some states the board also sets a local tax rate. In others, a county or city council must approve local school funding.
Setting policy. Attendance, discipline, grading, student conduct, use of facilities and many other rules start as board policy.
Approving facilities plans. New schools, renovations, attendance zones and sometimes bond referendums.
Approving the school calendar and certain contracts.
Hearing appeals. In some districts, the board hears student discipline or employee appeals.

The board acts as one

A school board has power only when it meets as a body in an official public meeting. A single member, even the chair, generally can't order a principal to change a grade, move a teacher, cancel a program or reverse a suspension.

That can feel frustrating at first. You will hear from parents who want you to fix something today. The right response is usually to listen, take notes and point them to the right person, such as the teacher, principal or superintendent's office. If you see a pattern, you can raise it with the superintendent or bring it to the full board.

What the work looks like week to week

Most boards hold one or two regular meetings a month, plus work sessions, committee meetings and occasional special meetings. Before each meeting you will receive a packet of reports and recommendations to read. Budget season and superintendent searches add extra hours.

Outside meetings, expect school visits, graduations, sports events, community forums and a steady stream of emails and calls from parents, staff and neighbors. Many boards pay little or nothing for this. Our guide to time and family commitment helps you plan for it honestly.

Training and support for new members

You don't have to know everything on day one. States have school boards associations that offers orientation, policy help and ongoing training, and NSBA notes that in states requiring training, these associations are often the main source of it.

How to prepare before you file

Attend several board meetings in person and watch past recordings.
Read the district's current budget summary and its most recent annual report or strategic plan.
Skim the board policy manual, especially the sections on board member conduct and the superintendent's role.
Learn whether your seat is by district or at large, and confirm you live in the right area.
Find out whether your race is partisan or nonpartisan. Our guide to partisan and nonpartisan races explains why it matters.
Contact your state school boards association for candidate or new-member materials.
Talk with a current or former board member about the job they actually do.

Is school board the right fit?

School board suits people who care about outcomes for children, can think in terms of policy rather than individual cases and can work patiently with colleagues who see things differently. If your passion is roads, zoning or public safety, look at county council or city council instead.

When you're ready to take the next step, see how to file for local office or take the readiness self-check.

Common questions

Do I need to be a parent or an educator to run for school board?

No. Qualifications are set by state law and usually focus on age, residency and voter registration. Parents, retirees, business owners and people with no children in the schools all serve on boards. Check your state's rules with your election office.

Can a school board member fire a teacher or principal?

Not on their own. Hiring and managing staff is generally the superintendent's job. The full board may approve personnel actions the superintendent recommends, but an individual member has no authority to direct staff.

Are school board races partisan?

In many places they are nonpartisan, meaning no party label appears on the ballot, but that is not true everywhere. Your local election office can tell you how your race is run.

Is there training for new school board members?

Most state school boards associations offer orientation and ongoing training, and some states require it. South Carolina, for example, requires newly elected trustees to complete an approved orientation program within a year of taking office.

Sources

Rules change. Always confirm with your own state and local election offices.