Nationwide, states mark January as School Board Recognition Month, and Washington is no exception. This month is an opportunity to celebrate the elected officials who serve their communities by dedicating their time and energy above and beyond their ordinary occupations.
These citizens play a crucial role in helping set the conditions for students to thrive, ensuring that schools remain responsive to the needs of their communities and future generations. In Washington state, most school directors volunteer many hours and are not financially compensated.
Important Functions of School Boards
The role of the school board is larger than any one person can do, which is one reason it takes an entire governance team. To explain the role, here are some of the core functions of a school board:
Educational Excellence: Striving for educational excellence is at the core of every school board’s mission. They support high standards, leverage data and data analysis to monitor the progress of initiatives led by the superintendent, and work collaboratively in conjunction with administrators, teachers, families, and civic and community-based organizations to create an environment that fosters learning and achievement.
Policy Adoption: School boards are responsible for developing and adopting policies that guide the school district’s operations in conformity with state and federal law. These policies touch on various aspects, including but not limited to curriculum, student conduct, and superintendent evaluations.
Budget Oversight: Managing budgets is challenging, especially in the face of ever-evolving educational needs and the complex patchwork of funding sources, each with its own unique requirements. School boards work diligently to allocate resources efficiently and equitably, ensuring that funds are directed toward initiatives that directly benefit students.
Community Advocacy: School boards serve as a bridge between the community and the school system. They listen to the goals and concerns of parents, students, school staff, and community members, advocating for policies and practices that reflect the needs and values of the community and its students.
Legislative Advocacy: Being that bridge between the community and the school district, board members gain valuable insight to share with lawmakers as they grapple with how to equip the public education system to provide a variety of positive outcomes for our youth.
Learn More
If you’re curious to learn more, please visit WSSDA’s Community Member webpage. But in the meantime, join us in celebrating the service of our school board members. As elected representatives, they are integral to the collaborative effort of providing young people with a strong educational foundation that will serve them throughout their lives.