School Board Members

[bowhunter1023]

Anyone here ever sit on your local board of education? If so, any commentary you'd care to share?

I live 2 minutes from where I went K-12 and our school board has been much the same for over a decade. No complaints as a parent or taxpayer since we have brand new schools and are the envy of many districts in the region. However, two longstanding members may not seek re-election and I've been slowly positioning myself to receive an endorsement from one/both if I decided to run in their absence. I recognize it's not a glamorous position, but I'm a homer through and through, so I'm very interested. I have applicable experience, am the parent of 2, soon to be 3 students, and my day job also keeps me invested. I need something else to do like I need another hole in the head, but "if not me, then who" and that answer tends to scare me.

Figured there might be some perspective out there in TOOville that could be helpful in this decision making process.

 

[Jackalope]

@Stressless His wife is on a school board.

 

[P8riot]

Do they know you are a member here? Better delete all your posts!

 

[Stressless]

Jesse - Anyone in this day and age that volunteers to embark into an elected position, for the right reasons, is a saint. That being said running and winning are not the same thing, it's generally a individuals first step into an actual live political area. Gender issues, banned books, multi levels of limited funding with some very insidious strings attached are some of the more unpleasant issues.

The grateful parents - such as yourself, that recognize effort and leadership to those in the positions, is as gratifying as a stranger remarking to you as a parent that, "Your kids are so well behaved and polite." Those good and gratifying moments for the Mrs. ... It makes it worth it from my point of view as a spouse of a 3 term elected school board member. Not sure of OH, county or district where you're looking but our board covers the county's 25,000 students, $460M budget, largest employer in the county, four unions etc.

View attachment 175911

Local Election help

This is for folks that may be or thinking of running for local office. I've put together campaigns for the Mrs (County elected office) and a couple other folks, county level efforts not state or national. I work in Information Operations / Intel - campaigning is just an extension of those...

theohiooutdoors.com

 

[Quantum673]

Theresa is almost done with her second term on our school board. A couple of observations of mine. Most people in the community have no clue what a school board does. This can be good and bad. We are a very small district with only about 1200 kids total K-12. Our school hasn’t had to deal with all the same issues but they do still have to prepare for them. It is a thankless job because people only want to know or talk to a board member when they are pissed about something.
T has enjoyed the experience and it kept us engaged with the community. We are also both very happy that she is not running again.

 

[Bigcountry40]

Jesse you are really intelligent well rounded person, who values education and has family that works in the school system. I think you would do well, and will educate yourself on how small unionized Ohio school districts function. I would say about 90% of current board members have absolutely no idea what they are doing and become board members with a personal agenda. In reality board members have a much smaller positive impact than they think they do and can actually make things worse because of their ignorance in policy, school funding, levies etc. A seasoned well qualified Superintendent that spent significant years in the classroom and a Principal with and qualification can be a great tool for board members. School lawyers and state politicians have majority of control on policy. Basically you will get to vote on things created by the superintendent that has already been approved by the local teachers union.

 

[bowhunter1023]

I appreciate that!

We have a 1% rock start Super and first-class personnel across the entire org chart. The current board also voted to arm certain teachers, so I see my pro-2A stance being important to a largr segment of our population.

 

[mike hunt]

If you're serious about this, you should consider changing your avatar, JS

 

[bowhunter1023]

If you're serious about this, you should consider changing your avatar, JS

That's my alter ego in my avatar

 

[Ohiosam]

Not school board but I’ve been on my township zoning board for over 20 years. Most issues that come before our board affect someone I know, sometimes on both sides. I have a strong libertarian streak in me when it comes to property rights so I have to struggle with that at time. On almost every zone change I start with the presumption that it should be approved and then need a clear legal reason to reject it. The neighbors not wanting it isn’t a stand alone reason. I‘ve often had to vote for things that people I’m close to wanted denied. I’ve had to put my person feelings side at times and vote what is legally required. Often these things piss people off but they usually get over it.

 

[Stressless]

@Ohiosam. Yup. "usually".

 

[giles]

I am friends with a couple of board members in this small farm community. They are all wanting out because of the kitty litter issue and other like conditions. I suggest proceeding with caution. I would hate to have something like this slow down or ruin your big picture. You do plenty for the community already.