Helpful Information forHelpful Information forSchool Board CandidatesSchool Board Candidates

Getting acquainted with the “job description” of school board member

Iowa Association of School Boards

Beginning at the Beginning: Beginning at the Beginning: Our Mission Statement. Our Mission Statement.

• Our district mission statement: the “North Star” for board decision-making

• Our mission/purpose is to educate all children

Basic District FactsBasic District Facts• District PopulationoTotal district community populationoStudent population/enrollment

• District boundaries• Staffing• Facilities

Key Financial FactsKey Financial Facts

• State Foundation Formula• Funds used by district• Funding sources• Expenditures• Unspent Balance• Financial Solvency Ratio• Summary of key factors impacting • district budget

Board MeetingsBoard Meetings• Logistics• Attendance• Agenda• Preparation

Board MeetingsBoard Meetings• Public view• Sample agenda• Standing committees

Effective Effective Board/Superintendent Board/Superintendent

TeamsTeams• Focus on educational leadership• Help the system work and improve• Hold the system accountable• Engaging the public• Example of learning

Effective School Board Effective School Board Member CharacteristicsMember Characteristics**

• Open-minded

• Prepared

• Willing to give time to learning

• Committed to listening and learning

• Willing to work as part of a team (no Lone Rangers)

* As stated by practicing board members and superintendents

Thank you for considering Thank you for considering school board membership.school board membership.

Any questions?