A School Board Member
Checklist

• Attend every board meeting if at all possible.
• Arrive at all meetings well-informed about the issues to be considered.
• Work cooperatively with other board members to establish effective board policies by which the superintendent can administer the schools.
• Delegate authority for the administration of the schools to the superintendent.
• Communicate – often and respectfully – with other board members and the superintendent.
• Take no private action that will compromise the school system, the board, or the administration.
• Respect the confidentiality of information that is privileged under applicable law.
• Avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest.
• Refrain from using board position for personal gain.
• Stay informed about current educational issues through participation in programs such as those sponsored by state and national school boards associations.
• Keep an open mind so you can accept and evaluate new concepts.
• Learn and practice the art of compromise.
• Accept and support decisions made by the majority of the board.
• Strive for teamwork.
• Follow the chain of command and report problems to the superintendent for investigation.
• Resist the temptation to involve yourself in personnel matters other than voting to approve or reject the superintendent’s recommendations.
• Refuse to be obligated to any interest group.
• Listen to perspectives and complaints of all addressing the board, but refuse to be pushed to making premature decisions.
• Keep the board’s focus on the best interests of students.