Written by: Renee Oldham, Executive Director, Mt. Vernon Education Foundation

School board elections are crucial for several reasons, as they significantly impact the quality and direction of education within a school district. Here’s why they matter:

1. Policy and Governance: School boards set policies that govern the administration of local schools. This includes everything from setting academic standards and determining school curricula to establishing policies on discipline, dress codes, and conduct. The decisions they make directly influence the educational experience of students.
2. Budget Control: School boards are responsible for approving the district’s budget, which includes allocating funds for staffing, infrastructure, curriculum, extracurricular activities, and more. Their decisions determine how resources are distributed, affecting everything from class size to teacher resources and the maintenance of school facilities.
3. Hiring Decisions: One of the school board’s most significant roles is hiring the superintendent, who manages the daily operations of the district. The school board’s oversight of this position and other key personnel helps ensure that the district’s leadership aligns with the educational goals and standards the community expects.
4. Community Representation: School board members are elected by the community and are tasked with representing the interests of students, parents, and taxpayers. They provide a crucial link between the community and school administrators, ensuring that the voices of the community are heard in decisions that affect local education.
5. Accountability: School boards hold educators and administrators accountable for ensuring students achieve their educational goals. They monitor performance across various metrics, such as test scores and graduation rates, to ensure the district meets state and federal educational standards.
6. Setting Vision and Goals: School boards play a critical role in setting long-term goals and visions for districts. This strategic planning determines the priorities for improvement and innovation in schools, shaping the educational landscape for years to come.

Overall, the outcome of school board elections can profoundly affect the quality of education a district offers. It influences educational policies, the effective use of resources, the administration of schools, and ultimately, student outcomes. Thus, participating in these elections is a powerful way for community members to influence local education.

Given the profound impact school board decisions have on students and the future of our community, it’s critical for all of us to stay informed and engaged. By participating in school board elections, attending meetings, or even running for a position, you play an essential role in shaping the future of our schools and the opportunities available to our children.

Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. The Mt. Vernon Education Foundation invites you to the Mt. Vernon Alumni Center for a school board candidate forum. All five candidates competing for school board seats will be in attendance.