Free Video Training for Board Candidates
TASB's video program especially for board candidates is now available for viewing any time, day or night, at no charge, with no registration necessary! All members of the public are welcome to view the program.
About the program
Serving on the board: An insider's guide to board service for school board candidates
Things can look significantly different from the other side of the board table for newly elected board members. If you are considering a run for office, our video program especially for candidates offers insights that can help you prepare for board service and better understand the value a board brings to the district. The program is hosted by experienced TASB consultants and former board members. Interviews with board members provide an additional a look at the realities of board service. The focus of these presentations is on the job of the board and the practical aspects of how the board does its job; however, participants will be directed to resources on filing for office, campaigning, and other aspects of candidacy. (No school board continuing education credit is offered for this presentation.)
Print a copy of the handouts
You may want to print a copy of the handouts linked below prior to viewing the video.
View the program now
View the program with a group
If you would like to view this program with a group or host a viewing in conjunction with a local candidate workshop, enroll in "Serving on a Board" in TASB's Online Learning Center (OLC). You will need to create a free account in the OLC to view available courses and enroll, however there is no charge for enrollment in this course. The video available in the online course can be enlarged for viewing full screen, and projected on a large screen so that an audience can view the program together and use it as a discussion starter for further conversation about board service.
About the presenters
Mark McHargue was a school board member for more than 10 years. He served as an officer for seven of those years, three as president. Prior to coming to TASB, Mark was a lawyer with the Legislative Council’s office and the Elections Division of the Texas Secretary of State’s office. He was a senior consultant for Leadership Team Services and now an attorney with TASB Legal Services.
Debbie Manns served two terms on a local school board, the final two years as president. She was with TASB as a consultant and trainer of board and superintendent teams for over 13 years.
Still have questions about running for the board?
If you have questions about school board service that are not answered by viewing the program, please check our candidate resources page, or send your questions to lts@tasb.org and we'll respond as quickly as possible.