Campaign Preparations
Before I decided to run for the Alief ISD school board, I went to Texas Association of School Boards(TASB) website in search of resources. I watched a TASB video called Serving on a Board, An Insider’s Guide to Board Service for School Board Candidates.
Some of the takeaways that I learned during my search for knowledge were: Being an effective school board member requires time commitments to research board packets and prepare for meetings. Trustees are expected to attend a variety of events in their district and communities, as well as expected to attend lots of State Board of Education (SBOE) trainings.
The most important takeaway for me was the spirit of teamwork to work together for the benefit of all students. In a video that I watched with Diane Freeman, she stated that each individual board member brings their talents, skills, and experience to the table. For some, this type of board interpersonal diversity can be interpreted as a problem for team building, but I view these different skill sets to be the greatest potential value for a school boards efforts to positively affect student outcomes.
TASB’s expectation for school boards visions: Is that boards are to ensure the creation of a shared vision that promotes enhanced student achievement: The board should keep the district focused on the educational welfare of ALL children. The board should adopt a shared vision based on community beliefs to guide local education. The board should ensure that the districts vision expresses the present and future needs of the children and the community.
TASB’s expectation for school boards structure: is that boards should provide guidance and direction for accomplishing the vision. The board should fulfill the statutory duties of the local board of trustee and upholds all laws, rules, ethical procedures, and court orders pertaining to schools and school employees. The board should adopt a planning and decision making process consistent with the state stature that uses participation, information, research, and evaluation to help achieve the district’s vision. The board should ensure that the district planning making processes enables all segments of the community, parents, and professional staff to contribute meaningfully to achieve the district’s vision. The board should adopt a budget that incorporates sound business and fiscal practices and provide resources to achieve the district’s vision, mission, and goals. The board should adopt goals, approve student performance objectives, and establish policies that provide a well-balanced curriculum resulting in improved student learning.
TASB’s expectation for school boards accountability: is that boards should measures and communicate how well the vision is being accomplished. The board should ensure progress toward the achievement of the district goals through a systemic, timely, and comprehensive review of reports prepared by or at the direction of the superintendent. The board should monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of instructional programs by reviewing reports prepared by or at the direction of the superintendent and directs the superintendent to make modifications that promote maximum achievement for all students.
The board should report district progress to parents and community in compliance with state laws and regulations. The board should review the efficiency and effectiveness of district operations and use of resources in supporting the district’s vision, mission, and goals. The board should evaluate the superintendent’s performance annually in compliance with state laws and regulations.
TASB’s expectation for school boards advocacy: is that the board should promote the vision. The board ensures an effective 2-way communication system between the district and its students and employees, the media, and the community. The board builds partnerships with community, business, and governmental leaders to influence and expand educational opportunities and meet the needs of students. The board supports children by establishing partnerships between the district, parents, business leaders, and other community members as an integral part of the district’s educational program.
TASB’s expectation for school boards unity: the board works with the superintendent to lead the district toward the vision. The board develops skills in teamwork, problem solving, and decision making. The board establishes and follows local policies, procedures, and ethical standards governing the conduct and operations of the board. The board understands and adheres to laws and local policies regarding the board’s responsibility to set policy and the superintendent’s responsibility to manage the school district and to direct employees in district and campus matters.