Preparing You For Public Leadership

Nebraska has close to 2,000 citizens who have been elected to serve their community on their local school board.  A volunteer job, in addition their day to day activities, where they are responsible for setting policies, goals and procedures for their district, as well as hiring and evaluating the Superintendent.  School boards in Nebraska consist of anywhere from 5-9 members, with the majority having 6-member boards.

Every two years, half of Nebraska’s school board positions come up for election.  It is important to make sure those running to fill, or challenge those positions are both qualified and prepared for what to expect.

Roles and Responsibilities of Board Members:

• Majority Rule: An individual has no authority. Only when the majority of a board is acting in an advertised meeting can the board take action or give direction to the superintendent. A majority of a 6-member board is four. Educated, cohesive decision-making, including the entire board, as well as the Superintendent is what is most important.

• Teamwork: Boards succeed when they work together as a team. An effective board member is someone who communicates and listens with the intent to understand.  

While each member of the school board brings an individual style of leadership, there are certain characteristics that contribute to successful board service.  These include: 

• A sincere interest in public education and a commitment to improving student learning.
• Understanding the importance of public education to our democratic society.
• Bringing a creative, forward-thinking approach to education and offering sound solutions.
• Growing your knowledge and experience.
• Understanding that public education is complex.
• Respected and involved in the community.
• Willingness to listen and consider opposing views before making decisions.
• Willing to invest the many hours necessary to meet the responsibilities of board service.
• Serve to benefit the whole community.
• Respect associates and the group decisions of the board.
• Understand the authority and responsibilities of the board vs. the superintendent.
• Honor and respect diverse cultures, abilities, learning styles and human needs.
• Engage in professional development programs to expand knowledge of education and strengthen governance and leadership skills.
• Serve as a strong advocate for public education and for all children in the state.

How to be a Successful Board Member

To be a successful board member you need to:

• Prepare for the board meeting, read through the board packet before arriving at the board meeting.
• Make every effort to attend every board meeting.
• Seek to understand the local, state, and federal education issues.
• Participate in board training programs and networking opportunities.
• Attend other community meetings when possible.
  

As one long-time school board member best puts it ... "Take Your Turn, It’s Worthwhile Work."

Qualifications

To be eligible for election to public office in Nebraska, you must simply be a registered voter and reside in the ward, district, city, or county, etc. for which you want to run for office.  To register to vote, you must: 

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be at least 18 years of age on or before the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November
• Live in Nebraska
• Have not been convicted of a felony, or if convicted, at least two years have passed since the completion of your sentence for the felony including any parole term
• Have not been officially found to be mentally incompetent
• Reference: http://www.sos.state.ne.us/elec/genvoterinfo.html 
  
  

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