The Commitment Of A School Trustee

Serving on a school board is both rewarding and challenging.  It requires a commitment of time to attend meetings, communicate with constituents and stay abreast of educational issues on which you will vote.  Below is information that can help you decide whether this is the right volunteer job for you.    

What are the responsibilities of a School Trustee?

• Adopt a vision and goals for the district and evaluate district success.
• Adopt policies that guide district actions.
• Hire a superintendent to serve as administrator of the district and evaluate the superintendent’s success yearly.
• Approve an annual budget consistent with the district vision and goals.
• Communicate the district’s vision and success to the community.

Is there special training involved in being a school board member?
School board members are required by Texas law and the State Board of Education to participate in three types of continuing education:

• An orientation to local district policy and to the laws affecting public education in Texas;
• 3-6 hours of annual team-building training with the full Board and the superintendent;
• 5-10 hours of annual training in areas of assessed need. Boards determine these needs annually by reviewing the Framework for Governance Leadership and assessing individual needs;
• Update to the Texas Education Code after each legislative session; a 3-hour session for first year Board members.

How do school boards make decisions?
A school board is a governmental body which can take action only by a majority vote at a legally called public meeting. The major responsibility of each Board member is to study issues facing the district, evaluate needs and resources, and vote in the best interest of all students at duly called meetings. Board members are provided a packet of information explaining agenda items prior to each meeting. Members have 1-2 weeks to read the packet, ask questions of staff and be ready to discuss and/or take action on agenda items.  Board packets range in length from 100-400 pages.

How often does the Board meet?
The board meets in regular session at 6:00 p.m. on the third Monday of each month and at 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Monday in the Administration Building Board Room, located at 955 Campbell Rd.  A calendar of meeting dates is posted on the web and available from the Board Assistant.  The public is encouraged to attend meetings. 

The third Monday meeting is a workshop where topics related to progress on the Five-Year Educational Plan goals or topics on which Board members will be voting are discussed in detail.  Meetings typically last 2-3 hours and includes presentations from senior staff, task forces or other invited individuals.  Board members are encouraged to ask questions and discuss items in preparation for a future vote. 

The fourth Monday meeting is the regularly scheduled Board meeting where the Board recognizes accomplishments of staff, students and community members, takes comments from the community and votes on items that enable the district to do business.  Meetings typically last 2-3 hours. 

Frequently the Board meets in Executive session at 6:00 p.m. for one hour prior to the regular meeting.  The purpose of the meeting is to discuss personnel issues or other business of a confidential nature as required by law. 

If you have questions about how schools are operated or other Board responsibilities, the superintendent or experienced trustees, especially your board president, are important sources of information.  A Guide for School Board Candidates is also available from the Texas Association of School Boards at www.tasb.org. 

Another important source of information is the SBISD policy manual.  It is available on line at www.springbranchisd.org/board/policies or in hard copy from the Superintendent.  This manual helps you understand the requirements imposed upon the school district by law and the direction the board of trustees has chosen given the discretion allowed by state and federal law and regulation. Questions about school district policies should be directed to the superintendent, who is responsible for maintaining the official board policy manual for SBISD.

Other Board Responsibilities

As a district leader Board members are invited to attend many school, district and civic functions throughout the year.  Attendance at events such as school dinners, civic association meetings, graduations, and recognition events helps support the goals of the Five-year Educational Plan and build teamwork throughout the district.  Board members should also plan to visit schools, facilities and programs throughout the district on a regular basis.  Most board members spend 10-20 hours a week on Board business.