The National School Board Association recently published the “Ten myths of school board service” authored by Maine School Boards Association President Terry McCabe and Maryland Association of Boards of Education Communications and Marketing Coordinator Sandi Barry.

 

The list is a great read for current board members and a valuable share for individuals considering running for the school board. You can readall 10 myths here – https://www.nsba.org/sites/default/files/reports/NSBA-National-Connection-Ten-Myths-School-Board-Service.pdf.

 

Myth #1: I can speak and write as a private citizen about school issues covers the new role a board member takes on when they join the school board, citing a “district may have a policy that outline who may speak for the board.”

 

ASBSD’s sample policy, KCB: News Media Relations offers a similar sentiment, stating, “The Superintendent or designee will coordinate all activities relating to the publication of information concerning the schools or the appearance of news releases relating to school personnel or activities.”

 

ASBSD’s sample policy and Myth #1 call for board members to defer to their district’s policy when dealing with the media. You can see more sample policies at www.policy.asbsd.org.

 

 Myth #6: I don’t need to read or attend training to understand the issues encourages board members to “Find out what your (state) association has to offer in terms of professional development.”

 

Allow us, if you will, to plug our training opportunities for board members, which include on-site GAVEL training and our online option, School Board U, as well as our Blog that routinely shares updates on K-12 issues. We also offer events, such as the ASBSD-SASD Convention, our Region Meetings, School Law Seminars, Legislative Action Network trainings and Collective Bargaining Seminars.

 

We’re here to serve you and keep you updated on all the issues that will affect your district.