What School Board Members Do

School board members are responsible for broad, futuristic thinking, minute analysis and decisive action in all areas that affect students and staff in their schools. Some roles and responsibilities are implicit. Others are specifically mandated or allowed by Arizona law. Everything board members do is focused on providing the best education possible for the children in their community.

• SET THE DIRECTION
• ESTABLISH THE STRUCTURE
• PROVIDE SUPPORT
• ENSURE ACCOUNTABILITY
• ADVOCATE FOR YOUR STUDENTS

What School Board Members DON'T Do

School Board Members DON'T implement policy.

School boards make policy and Superintendents carry it out.

School Board Members DON'T manage the day-to-day operations of the school district.

School boards see to it that the district is managed by the best professionals.

School Board Members DON'T evaluate staff, other than the Superintendent, nor do they become involved in employment interviews, other than those for Superintendent.

Specific Duties of School Boards Include

Specific duties of school boards may relate to employment, purchasing, budget preparation, students and policies. They may include:

• Hiring and evaluating the district superintendent.
• Providing guidance in the development of the budget to ensure funding needed to meet board established goals.
• Approving the budget.
• Monitoring the budget.
• Setting salaries for employees.
• Approving purchases.
• Establishing and approving policies.
• Approving curriculum materials.
• Adopting the school calendar.
• Reviewing regulations for compliance with policy.
• Approving personnel actions based on the superintendent's recommendation.
• Closing or constructing schools.
• Assessing board effectiveness.
• Monitoring progress towards goals.