It is useful to consider what you’ll bring to the table that can benefit your local board. Take an honest assessment of the knowledge and skills you have that could be an asset to your board. As a school board member, you’ll need to:

• Attend meetings regularly
• Learn about new and sometimes complex issues
• Interact with a variety of community members
• Make decisions on issues that at times can be difficult

Remember, joining a board is like jumping on a train that’s moving. The remaining board members have been working together. They have a vision. They have goals. You want to figure out how you can be part of that, what you can add to that, and how you can be of service.

There’s no one type of person or background that makes for a good school board member, but all good school board members need to:

• Work as a team, including the superintendent, to create a vision for the district and set measurable goals to achieve that vision
• Understand finances and budgets and regularly monitor the fiscal health of the district
• Focus on the true bottom line: student achievement and implementing policies that ensure success for all students
• Inform the public regularly on the district’s progress and challenges
• Collaborate with others and be respectful of the full leadership team
• Advocate for the value of a strong public education system at every chance and at every level of government

While you are at it, think of some of your shortcomings that, if left unaddressed, could hinder your efforts to be an effective board member. Knowing your opportunities for growth is just as important as knowing your strengths.

Serving as a board member can be challenging. But making decisions that benefit your students and community can be very gratifying.

York School Department

How To Become a York School Committee Member

Where do I get an application?

What do I need to know about becoming a member of the York School Committee?

Why am I running for my local school board?

How do I run an ethical campaign for the school board?

What is the time commitment when serving on the school board?

What knowledge and skills do I bring to the school board?

When Elected Whom Do I Represent?

Preparing to Serve: A Webinar for School Board Candidates