School Boards
Why should I care about the local school board?
School boards make the decisions that directly shape the kind of education children receive, from pre-K through high school, in your community’s school district.
What if my kids are grown or if don’t have children in public school?
You should care about your local school board because most children are educated in public schools, and most will live in their communities after they graduate. The quality of their education will influence their success as future employees, business owners, citizens, and parents.
And THAT affects the overall success of YOUR entire community.
Quality education from pre-K through high school prepares kids to get jobs, complete vocational training, or attend college. In communities that have an educated workforce, crime is lower, and fewer people are just scraping by. In turn, property values rise, and the community as a whole prospers.
Investing in quality education for all children brings a
positive economic return and
raises the quality of life, in the long run,
for us all.
What does a school board do?
A school board generally meets monthly to discuss and vote on a wide range of issues that affect local schools - what kids are taught, the condition of the buildings, and the teachers and other employees.
Much of a school board’s decisions have to do with money. This includes decisions about priorities for repairs to aging school buildings, school closures, and where new schools are built.
School boards also face decisions about budget cuts or whether to ask voters to increase property taxes, which is the main source of support for public schools.
School boards also make decisions about:
Hiring and evaluating the superintendent
Choice of textbooks and other learning materials
The annual school calendar
School safety and discipline
Spending for classroom resources, facilities, vehicles, and other needs
Who can serve on a school board?
Any citizen who lives within school district boundaries may serve on its school board. Larger districts in Arkansas, such as the three districts in Pulaski County, are divided into geographic zones; in order to run for office for a particular zone, you must reside in that zone.
How do I find out about school board meetings, or weigh in on decisions?
■ Do a search for your school board’s name online. Many school board sites will post school board meeting information. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, call the school district superintendent’s office with your questions.
■ You can also find contact info for your school board members at this AEA site.