With new South Dakota school board members coming "on board" after July 1, here are ten tips you may find helpful to share with your new board members:
1. Listen at first
Get an idea of the culture of your school district and fellow board members. Every district has a complex web of local history, laws, policies, negotiated agreements and more. New members should appreciate experienced board members sharing their knowledge!
2. Ask questions
There is no such thing as a "dumb question." As a new board member, you may not be familiar with IEP, ESL, FAPE, IDEA, and FERPA. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
3. Take new board member training ASAP
You may believe that you can't spare the time for workshops and training. However, the things you learn ahead of time may allow you to avoid mistakes later.
4. Read the school district's negotiated agreement
This document is sometimes lengthy and tedious. However, the wording of this agreement is often a useful guide to the many issues you'll face as a board member.
5. Read the school district's policies
Same as #4
6. Don't be a hero
This is another way of saying that your role as a board member is not to run the school district. Rather, your role is to make sure the school district runs well.
7. You now have a new role
Of course, you haven't changed, but your role has. In the past, you may have been a fiery advocate or parent representative. However, your new role is to step away from the school district's day-to-day activities and work as a member of a policy making organization.
8. Follow the open meeting requirements
As a board member, it's your job to make sure that your discussions and decisions are made in compliance with South Dakota's open meetings law.
9. You are an elected official
What you say matters. Any careless or negative remark you make about the school district now carries a lot of weight in the community.
10. Confidentiality is vital
In matters involving personnel, negotiations, or litigation, you must keep information absolutely confidential, or you can do real harm to your school district.
Being a school board member is a "big thing." It's definitely work - hours of meetings, reading, and learning. You won't be paid much and you'll rarely be thanked for your efforts. However, over time and with the desire to learn, you will feel like you're making a positive impact!
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