Leadership Team Services

Resources for Board Candidates

Considering public service on your local school board? Running for your local school board can be an exciting and at times challenging experience. We can help you learn more about the job of a school board so you can make an informed decision about running. After you've reviewed the resources listed below, see our resources for new board members for more information about the school board members' duties.

TASB resources

• A Guide for School Board Candidates , updated annually, summarizes the duties of a school board member, procedures for seeking an elected board position, and services offered by TASB in support of effective school governance. Order it from the TASB Store . Your district's superintendent's office may have copies available for candidates as well. Check with them during election filing periods. 

• Serving on a Board: An Insiders Guide to Board Service for School Board Candidates, a recorded video Webcast, designed especially for people considering a run for the school board, provides perspectives from experienced board members on what it is like to be on a board. This program will be available free for viewing from this Web page in September 2008.

Local resources

If you have questions about how schools are operated in your district, your local superintendent or experienced trustees, especially your board president, are important sources of information.

Another important source is your district's policy manual, a key tool in understanding the requirements imposed by law upon the school district, as well as the paths the board of trustees has chosen within the discretion permitted the board by state and federal law and regulation. Questions about school district policies should be directed to the superintendent, who is usually responsible for maintaining the official board policy manual for the school district.

Many local school districts and regional education service centers also offer candidate workshops that give you an opportunity to ask questions of local school trustees and superintendents about school board service as well. Check with the superintendent's office in your local district to find out if one is available in your area.

State resources

For information and publications with details about campaign laws and regulations, including campaign finance and advertising, see our useful links to several state agencies that can assist you.

For additional information about school board service, contact Leadership Team Services at 512-467-0222, extenstion 6161.