What is the role of a school board in public schools?
By Trina Pruitt, parent and We Go Public contributor
Who are school board trustees?
Every public school district in the United States is governed by a locally elected school board. School board members—often called school trustees—are elected by community members to represent the district’s diverse values, priorities, and perspectives.
School board members are residents of the school district they serve, and they are not required to have a background in education. This allows boards to reflect the broader community and include individuals from many walks of life, such as parents, business owners, healthcare professionals, educators, transportation workers, real estate agents, and other local residents.
By design, local school boards ensure that public education decisions remain community-driven, giving families and taxpayers a direct voice in how their schools are governed.
So, what does a school board do?
A school board serves as the governing body of a public school district and acts as the voice of the community in decisions about local schools. School board members listen to parents, students, educators, and community members and use that input to help set the district’s goals and long-term vision.
School boards also advocate for their schools and students. Board members work with the superintendent and communicate with local and state officials to represent the needs and priorities of the district.
School board members—often called trustees—are responsible for several key governance duties. They hire and evaluate the superintendent, approve and monitor district policies and budgets, and ensure the district follows state and federal education standards. Boards regularly review data related to district performance and student achievement to hold leadership accountable for results.
Decisions are made during public, open school board meetings and require a majority vote of the board. Parents and community members are encouraged to attend these meetings and may speak during public comment on district topics or issues of concern. The purpose of each meeting is to make informed policy decisions that support the best interests of all students.
What is the role of a school board member?
Members, also called Trustees, work to:
- Adopt shared visions and goals for their district.
- Create and monitor systems and processes to accomplish the district’s goals.
- Ensure progress and accountability to goals with resources, support, feedback, and progress measures.
- Advocate on behalf of all students.
- Collaborate with fellow board members and the superintendent.
School Board Responsibilities
A school board’s major responsibility is to serve as an advocate for public schools. The main duties of the board include a system of checks and balances in order to best represent the schools and the opinions of the community and district staff.
What a school board can and cannot do
Adopt goals and monitor success.
A school board adopts the district’s vision and goals based on community and administration input. The adopted goals establish the board’s priority to move districts in the communities’ desired directions. The board, however, does not create or adopt a curriculum.
Adopt policies and review for effectiveness.
The school board creates a district’s local policies. However, the adopted policies must adhere to federal and state laws and regulations. Boards determine what to do while the administration determines how to do it.
Hire and evaluate the superintendent.
The school board hires the superintendent and ensures that the superintendent executes the board’s policies. The board does not hire other district staff. The superintendent answers to the board, while the staff and faculty answer to the superintendent.
Adopt a budget and set a tax rate.
While the superintendent and district staff create and propose the district budget, the school board reviews and approves the budget, The board then sets a tax rate in order to fund the budget. The board cannot purchase items for the schools directly, but it can ensure that schools are following the approved budget.
Communicate with the community.
School board trustees build community support and report district progress by communicating with the community, students, staff, and parents. Effective board members represent the interests of the schools, not their own personal interests or opinions.
Dave Rosenthal, Ft Bend ISD Board of Trustees President, explains to young Fort Bend students what it’s like to be a board member.
How are school board members elected?
School board trustees are elected by popular vote.
Texans for Strong Public Schools explains, “Voting connects the individual citizen to the school in a direct and intimate way and gives the voters an opportunity to express their support or discontent for the school program.”
When are school board members elected?
School board elections are held on the first Saturday in May or the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Special elections to fill vacancies may be held as appropriate between elections.
Do trustees get paid?
Trustees are unpaid and the job and efforts are not always easy. Board members volunteer a significant amount of their free time by attending meetings, participating in continuing education training and professional development, researching district policy and data, communicating with constituents, and representing the district at community events. Trustees face difficult choices, self-sacrifice, and exposure to public criticism. However, their efforts also bring personal satisfaction in sharing the district’s academic successes with students, parents, and staff.
Do charter schools have school boards?
There are significant differences between traditional public school boards and charter school boards. The boards of independent school districts (ISDs) are locally elected, while the boards of charter schools are typically appointed.
Charter schools are privately managed, taxpayer-funded schools, and are exempt from some rules and regulations that apply to other public schools receiving taxpayer dollars.
School boards and ISDs are an open book. They make available their financials, demographics, and other data. I learned this is different from charter schools. Charters don’t have to comply with the same levels of accountability and transparency, even though they receive taxpayer dollars.
In terms of accountability, traditional independent school districts in Texas adhere strictly to standards set by the State Board of Education, while charter schools are bound to what is outlined in their charter. The charter is drawn up by a group or entity like teachers, parents, local government, for-profit or non-profit organizations, private businesses, etc.
In both instances, the school board oversees the management of the district or charter school and ensures that the superintendent effectively monitors district policy and operations.
At the end of the day, our school board members are responsible for the success or failure of our local public education through the policies they make. They are community volunteers tasked with making valuable decisions regarding our children’s education. Although showing appreciation should be a year-round process, School Board Recognition Month assures that these important people receive the thanks they deserve.
Now that I (and hopefully you) have a better understanding of what our trustees do, I am inspired to play a part this month in celebrating our hard-working school board.
I am challenging myself to pay more attention to my district’s current issues and to attend a board meeting to see the process in action. I invite you to do the same and join me in becoming more involved and invested in our children’s education!
Frequently asked questions about school boards
What does a school board do?
A school board sets the vision and goals for a school district, adopts policies, approves the district budget, and hires and evaluates the superintendent. The board focuses on long-term direction and accountability rather than daily operations.
Does a school board run the daily operations of schools?
No. Daily operations are managed by the superintendent and district staff. The school board’s role is governance—setting expectations, approving policies, and monitoring progress—not managing schools day to day.
Who do school boards represent?
School boards represent the local community and taxpayers. Their responsibility is to make decisions that reflect community priorities, educational needs, and legal requirements while ensuring public schools serve students effectively.
How are school board members selected?
In most public school districts, school board members are elected by voters in the community. Some districts may appoint members depending on state law or local governance structures.
What authority does a school board have?
A school board’s authority comes from state law. Boards approve policies, budgets, tax rates, and major contracts, and they oversee and evaluate the superintendent’s performance.
Can the public participate in school board meetings?
Yes. School board meetings are generally open to the public and include opportunities for public comment. This allows community members to ask questions, share concerns, and provide input on district decisions.
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