The Role and Responsibility of Serving
By Joan Parenteau
A recent meeting of the Superior School Board (Explore Superior©)
Being a member of the Superior School Board is important, challenging and rewarding. The mission of school board members is to improve the achievement of students and prepare them to be active, productive members of our society and democracy.
Persons interested in becoming a school board member approach the position as an individual, but all of your actions will be as a board, working with the superintendent. It will be your responsibility to identify the needs of your students, recognize the challenges of the district, and celebrate your successes with the community.
School boards and school board members are uniquely positioned to be advocates for children. Perhaps you should consider running to become a member of the Superior School Board?
Qualities of Good School Board Members
- A commitment to the belief that all children of the School District of Superior are entitled to have available to them a beneficial educational program.
- An open mind and readiness to learn.
- A willingness to attend seminars and workshops which can help you make intelligent decisions in school business.
- A vision and an ability to understand changes in our society.
- The ability to act with other school board members to advance the best interests of the school district.
- The capability to articulate the mission, vision and goals of the district and to listen carefully to the criticisms offered by people with differing views.
- A willingness to invest the hours that will be necessary to faithfully discharge their duties.
- Freedom from conflict with any other interest.
Responsibilities of School Board Members
School board members have the general responsibility for the management and supervision of the School District of Superior. There are several responsibilities that go with being on the school board. A very important function of the school board includes adopting academic standards for students and establishing expectations for education in our community. Additionally, the board adopts rules and regulations that become the basis of how the school district operates.
It is important that board members are aware of the differences between their role as an elected representative of the community, and that of school administrators. It is the board’s responsibility to determine what needs to happen and then the district administrator and staff determine how to make it happen.
The school board must evaluate all facets of school operations, adopt an annual budget, and communicate the district’s successes while listening to the concerns of the public. Finally, board members must advocate in our community for students and their schools, with an understanding of the impact of legislative action taken at all levels of government.
As you can well imagine, it is not easy to balance all of the above responsibilities. Is it any wonder that while many might complain about the actions of the school board, few are motivated to serve!
Legal Qualifications for School Board Members
A board member must be an eligible elector of the school district. In order to qualify for placement on the ballot as a candidate in a school board election, a person must be:
- A citizen of the United States;
- 18 years of age or older; and
- A resident of the school district for at least 28 consecutive days at the time of filing a declaration of candidacy.
Christina Kintop
Robert Morehouse
How To Run for the School Board
Qualified candidates must file a Declaration of Candidacy, a Campaign Registration Statement and nomination papers with the school district clerk in accordance with the timeline established by the State of Wisconsin. The next School Board election is on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Two at large seats will be filled to succeed present incumbents Christina Kintop and Robert Morehouse.
For questions about the election process, please contact Deputy Clerk Joan Parenteau at 715.394.8710 or by email at joan.parenteau@superior.k12.wi.us.
