This post appeared in the July edition of the ASBSD Bulletin. Each month ASBSD President Pam Haukaas will highlight a topic, which is helping advance K-12 education in South Dakota.
Welcome, new school board members.
For some of you this may be the first Bulletin you have read. Let me congratulate you on taking the step to support your local school and the work of public education.
This is an important, as well as rewarding job. Our youth are our future. Family, school and community prepare them to take their place in society. In your role as school board member, you will adopt the policies and curriculum that drive the education in your community.
The Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD), provides many resources to help you accomplish your work.
A Bulletin is published digitally each month. Blog posts are uploaded regularly on the ASBSD web site to keep you up to date on current education issues in our state. The site also provides a wealth of information on legislative issues, school board policy and procedure.
You will find links to The National School Board Association (NSBA) and the NSBA Center for Public Education (http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/) site has research and articles covering a broad range of topics of interest to school board members.
The critical decisions your board makes will drive your district. It is imperative for you to arm yourself with the best knowledge and ask the questions necessary to gain understanding.
At your first meeting many annual decisions are made. Please refer to last month’s Bulletin to read about this annual organizational meeting. (All previous digital Bulletins are archived, as well.)
As a board member you should also avail yourself of the training provided by you Associated School Boards. School Board U is launching his month (read about it here). This format allows you to gain online training from the comfort of your home.
A New School Board Member workshop will be held August 6, 2014 in Sioux Falls the day prior to the annual ASBSD-SASD Convention on August 7 & 8.
I strongly urge you to attend both the training and convention. New School Board Member workshops will also be held on July 29 in Aberdeen and July 31 in Rapid City.
The ASBSD/SASD Joint Convention is the premier learning event for South Dakota school board members and administrators. This year’s Convention will offer numerous breakout sessions on student achievement; board governance and policy; school finance and legal issues, as well as advocacy for quality public education.
Contact your superintendent and business manager in order to get registered for these wonderful events. I look forward to meeting you at the convention.
You, as a new school board member, as well as the sitting school board members, have made the important commitment to our youth and the future of South Dakota. While this is serious work it is also one of the most rewarding commitments you can make.
Enjoy your work and celebrate quality public education.