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
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.
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
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.