SCHOOL BOARD BASICS

Learn about school board members and what they do.

You’ve heard about the school board, but who are they and what do they do? This basic information is for students, parents, staff, taxpayers – the entire school community – because everyone is impacted by their local public school

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SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

Nearly all of Missouri school boards are made up of seven members. They come from all walks of life but they have some things in common.

LOCAL

They must live in the school district and pay taxes.

ELECTED

They are elected by voters in each school district.

VOLUNTEER

They volunteer their time and expertise and are not paid.

NON-PARTISAN

They are not elected representatives of a political party. Their loyalty is to students.

TEAM PLAYER

They work as a team to make decisions for all the students in their community.

ADVOCATE

They care about children and want to serve their community.

THE SCHOOL BOARD

There are many roles and responsibilities of a board of education. Here are a top few.

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GOALS

The board establishes the goals and vision of the district, with input from the community, and evaluates the results.

POLICY

The board develops and approves rules to help schools operate for student success.

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SUPERINTENDENT

The only employee the board supervises and evaluates. Day-to-day school operations are delegated to this position.

BUDGET

Approves the budget proposed by the Superintendent and ensures funding supports district goals.

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ADVOCACY

Shares district information with local legislators and the community to secure resources necessary for student success.

SHARE THIS INFORMATION

Our kids deserve the best. Effective school boards positively impact student achievement and success. Share the basics of school boards with your community to encourage support for your local public schools.

FACTS ABOUT SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

RESPONSIBILITIES OF SCHOOL BOARDS

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GET ON BOARD

Becoming a school board candidate

Learn more about school board service and becoming a school board candidate from the Missouri School Boards’ Association.