STUDENTS FIRST SCHOOL BOARDS THAT DELIVER
School boards shape our community by making key decisions that keep schools running smoothly. They ensure teachers and students have the resources they need, tackle challenges, and bring people together to focus on what matters most: giving students a great education.
WHAT DOES A SCHOOL BOARD DO?
A school board governs the local education system, ensuring students receive a high-quality education.
Key responsibilities include:
Setting Policies: Establish rules and guidelines for schools to operate effectively.
Hiring Leadership: Select and evaluate the superintendent to manage daily operations.
Approving Budgets: Allocate funds to support educational programs, staff, and facilities.
Advocating for Students: Represent the community’s voice in education, ensuring equity and access for EVERY STUDENT.
Ensuring Accountability: Monitor student performance and oversee compliance with state and federal regulations.
Engaging the Community: Foster collaboration with families, teachers, and local stakeholders to meet district needs.
Overall, school board members are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that the district provides high-quality education for all students and operates in a transparent and accountable manner.
WHAT SCHOOL BOARDS CAN'T DO
School boards in Texas have specific limitations on their authority, specifically:
Enact, Ammend, or Pass Laws.
Set Tax Rates Unilaterally: While they can recommend tax rates, they must adhere to state laws regarding taxation and must have approval from voters for certain tax increases.
Discriminate: School boards cannot discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in their policies and practices.
Control Curriculum Content: They must follow state education standards and cannot implement curricula that contradict state mandates.
Hire/Fire Certain Staff: They cannot hire or fire employees outside of established policies or without following proper procedures, especially for positions that require certification.
Limit Free Speech: School boards cannot infringe on students' rights to free speech and expression, as protected under the First Amendment.
Ignore State and Federal Regulations: They must comply with state and federal regulations concerning education, including special education laws.
Operate Outside Budget Constraints: School boards cannot spend beyond their approved budget without proper authorization.
Unilaterally Change School Policies: Major changes to school policies often require public input or adherence to established procedures.
Override Parental Rights: They cannot disregard the rights of parents in making decisions about their children's education without following due process.
Cater to special interest groups: School Board Members are elected to serve the WHOLE community, not in part.
Understanding these limitations helps ensure that school boards operate within their legal framework while serving the best interests of students and the entire community.
REAL SOLUTIONS. HONEST ANSWERS.
STUDENTS FIRST.
School board members ask important questions for everyone, like:
Are our schools doing a good job?
Are students learning in exciting and challenging ways?
Are all students, including those who need extra help, getting the support they need?
If not, what can we do to make things better?
Education is personal and local. We need board members who care about helping everyone. When students, teachers, parents, and the community work together, schools do better. And when schools do better, businesses and the whole community grow stronger.