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Becoming a School Board Member
We applaud your interest in becoming a member of your local school board.
The Arizona School Boards Association is committed to quality leadership and advocacy for children in public schools. As such, we are dedicated to supporting the efforts of potential and future school board governing members like you.
Before deciding to run for election to your local school board, there are critical issues you should thoughtfully consider.
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View the online presentation "School Board Service"
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Why Board Service Is Important
We applaud your interest in becoming a member of your local school board. The Arizona School Boards Association is committed to quality leadership and advocacy for children in public schools. As such, we are dedicated to supporting the efforts of potential and future school board governing members like you. This brochure addresses critical issues you should thoughtfully consider before deciding to run for election to your local school board.
Local school boards are a uniquely American institution and at the heart of this country's public education system. A board's existence is based on the belief that lay control of public education makes schools flexible and responsive to the needs of the local community.
Serving as a member of your local school board is one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs you will ever undertake. It also is an enormous responsibility. As a school board member, the decisions you make will affect children and their parents, the livelihood of school system employees and the economic well-being of your community. Service to a board requires time, energy, a willingness to learn about issues affecting your schools, and a passion for a public education system committed to providing the best and most appropriate education for all children entrusted to its care.
To determine whether being a school board member is right for you, you'll want to consider the personal attributes needed to be an effective board member, and understand the responsibilities and duties of the position. You also should understand the process for running for election, be aware of the resources available to you and review the code of ethics by which you must abide by once elected.
Quick Facts about Board Membership
Board members must:
- Be elected by the voters in the district or be appointed by the county superintendent of schools.
- Reside within the legal boundaries of the school district and have lived in the district for at least one year immediately preceding the day of election.
- Be a registered voter.
Board members cannot be, or have a spouse who is, an employee of the district when assuming office or during the term of office.
Board members cannot serve simultaneously on more than one school district governing board.
Finally, a person who has an immediate family member sitting on a school district governing board and who has shared the same household of residence with that family member within four years prior to the election is ineligible to be a candidate for nomination or election to that governing board if the governing board is composed of five members, unless the immediate family member is serving in the last year of a term of office; persons related as immediate family who have the same household of residence within four years prior are also ineligible to be simultaneous candidates for nomination or election to the governing board of the same school district if the governing board is composed of five members.
The position is unpaid, though some expenses may be reimbursed.
School board members have no individual authority over school matters. The authority of a board member includes expressing an opinion and casting a vote as a part of the governing board in a board meeting.
What Do School Board Members Do?
Commonly Asked Questions about School Board Service
Code of Ethics for Arizona School Board Members
Contact Your County Superintendent of Schools
Effective school board members share some common attributes. Before deciding to run for election to your local governing board, consider whether you possess the qualities that will enable you to best serve your community.
Effective board members:
- Have a conviction that public education is important.
- Are committed to improving public education for all children in Arizona.
- Possess a sincere desire to serve the community, rather than a desire for personal glory or to achieve a personal goal.
- Have the ability to understand the forces of change in our society and foresee, to some extent, the shape of the future in order to plan wisely.
- Have loyalty to the democratic process.
- Have the courage to make difficult decisions, defend the philosophy and goals of the organization, and withstand criticism from people who hold opposing views.
- Are able to accept the will of the majority and support a decision when it is made by the board.
- Respect the diversity of perspectives and cultural backgrounds on the board and in the community, enabling them to serve with tolerance and without prejudice.
- Have cooperative spirits, recognizing that success in achieving board goals and implementing ideas requires a team approach.
- Can communicate well with others.
- Are willing to invest the significant time and energy required by board service.
- Are available to attend all board meetings and related board work.
- Strive to be knowledgeable about policies and programs.
- Have professional respect for district staff.
- Are respected and involved in their communities.
- Bring a broad base of knowledge and experience to the job, enabling them to vote with intelligence and confidence on complex issues such as finance, curriculum and student-employee-community relationships.
- Know that the reputation of the entire school district is reflected in their behavior and attitude.
- Understand the board's roles and responsibilities.
WHAT DO SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS DO?
School board members are responsible for broad, futuristic thinking, minute analysis and decisive action in all areas that affect students and staff in their schools. Some roles and responsibilities are implicit. Others are specifically mandated or allowed by Arizona law. Everything board members do is focused on providing the best education possible for the children in their community.
Set the Direction
The governing board, with extensive involvement from the staff and community, is responsible for envisioning the future of the public schools in their community. After setting the vision and mission for the district, the governing board works collaboratively to establish strategic goals to move the organization toward the community's vision for its schools.
Establish the Structure
Board policies and goals establish the structure and create the environment for ensuring that all students are served. The superintendent uses the structure established by the board to manage operations on a day-to-day basis. Although the superintendent may suggest changes to policies, only the board as a whole has the legal authority to adopt policy.
Provide Support
The board provides support to its organization by ensuring that resources are adequate and aligned to meet established goals. Support also is provided by recognizing and encouraging excellence throughout the organization.
Ensure Accountability
As the community's representative in the local schools, the board is responsible for ensuring that the schools are well run – that resources are used wisely and that high standards for academic performance are set. The board as a whole needs to monitor performance to meet established goals – academic, financial and operational.
Advocate for Your Students
One of the board's most important roles is to be the ambassador for public education in the community. As individuals, each board member can help communicate the ways in which their local schools are supporting student educational needs, parent and community aspirations, and state and federal standards. Together, the board also can demonstrate that an atmosphere of collaboration and respect is the most conducive environment for providing the best education for children in the community.
Specific Duties
Specific duties of school boards may relate to employment, purchasing, budget preparation, students and policies. They may include:
- Hiring and evaluating the district superintendent.
- Providing guidance in the development of the budget to ensure funding needed to meet board established goals.
- Approving the budget.
- Monitoring the budget.
- Setting salaries for employees.
- Approving purchases.
- Establishing and approving policies.
- Approving curriculum materials.
- Adopting the school calendar.
- Reviewing regulations for compliance with policy.
- Approving personnel actions based on the superintendent's recommendation.
- Closing or constructing schools.
- Assessing board effectiveness.
- Monitoring progress toward goals.
Mandatory duties of school boards are defined in A.R.S. §15-341. Discretionary powers are defined in A.R.S. §15-342.)
What School Board Members and Boards DON'T Do
School board members DON'T:
- Implement policy; school boards make policy and superintendents carry it out.
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the school district; school boards see to it that the district is managed by professionals.
- Evaluate staff, other than the superintendent, nor do they become involved in employment interviews, other than those for superintendent.
Who is eligible to run for election?
Any registered voter in the State of Arizona who also is a resident of the school district in which he or she resides for at least one year immediately preceding the day of election is eligible to run for a position on the local school board.
A person who is employed, or whose spouse is employed, by a district can stand for election as a governing board member. However, if elected, the successful candidate and/or spouse must terminate employment with the district before taking office.
Board members cannot serve simultaneously on more than one school district governing board.
Finally, a person who has an immediate family member sitting on a school district governing board and who has shared the same household of residence with that family member within four years prior to the election is ineligible to be a candidate for nomination or election to that governing board if the governing board is composed of five members, unless the immediate family member is serving in the last year of a term of office; persons related as immediate family who have the same household of residence within four years prior are also ineligible to be simultaneous candidates for nomination or election to the governing board of the same school district if the governing board is composed of five members.
What is the term of office?
Election is for a four-year term, except for those positions filling a vacancy in office.
When are elections for school board members held?
School board elections are part of the general election in even-numbered years. Special elections to fill unanticipated vacancies occurring between regular elections may be called by the county superintendent of schools. (County school superintendents may also choose to appoint an individual to fill such a vacancy. More on appointments)
How about the primary election?
Primary elections do not pertain to the election of school board members.
Are nominating petitions necessary?
Yes. Eligible persons desiring to run for the school board should
1. Obtain nominating petition forms from the county superintendent of schools;
2. Ask the county superintendent how many signatures of qualified electors residing in the school district are required;
3. Obtain necessary signatures, being very careful to follow the legal requirements for valid signatures; and
4. File the nominating petitions with the county superintendent of schools not later than 90 days prior to the election.
Where will my name appear on the ballot?
The names of school board candidates are printed in the non-partisan section of the ballot.
If elected, when will I take office?
You will take office at the first organizational meeting of the school board, which must be held between the first and 15th day of January following the general election. The oath of office is administered at any time after receiving your certificate of election, and at least one day before commencement of the term of office.
Am I required to file a campaign finance report?
School board candidates who intend to receive or spend $500 or less in one election campaign are exempt from filing campaign finance reports if they file an exemption statement with the county elections office. Candidates who exceed the $500 threshold must register a political committee to serve as a campaign committee and file campaign finance reports that itemize receipts and expenditures, and identify persons who contribute $25 or more. Limitations exist on the amount that can be accepted from one individual contributor. Consult your county elections office for donation guidelines. Forms may be obtained from your county elections office or county school superintendent.
Must I file a financial disclosure statement?
No. The detailed personal financial disclosure statement required by A.R.S. §38-542 is not required of governing board members.
The Basics of Running for Election
- Pick up an information packet from the county superintendent of schools.
- File the $500 exemption or campaign committee organization statement with the county elections office before collecting signatures.
- Collect signatures.
- File signatures pages and forms with the county superintendent of schools.
- Run your campaign.
- Decision is made by the voters in your district.
Occasionally school board members must leave their positions before they have completed their terms. In the case of a mid-term vacancy, the county superintendent of schools may appoint a new member to fill the position through the end of the term or the next election.
If you are interested in applying for appointment to a vacant school board position, you must meet the basic requirements of any board member.
OTHER COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BOARD SERVICE
How often does a school board meet?
It varies. Boards must meet at least once a month during the school year. Many boards regularly meet twice a month year round and call special meetings as needed.
Will I get paid?
No. Members may be reimbursed for travel and subsistence expenses for authorized school purposes.
As a board member, can I be held personally liable for legal claims against the board or the school district?
As a general rule, no. By state law, governing board members cannot be held liable for actions taken in good faith and within the scope of their authority. Boards also may receive legal counsel to advise them, and the liability insurance of most, if not all, organizations covers board members who are acting in their official capacity. A governing board member is not immune from liability, however, if he or she:
- Acts outside the scope of authority;
- Knows (or should have known) that an action violates a person's constitutional rights;
- Engages in criminal activity;
- Commits an intentional tort, such as assault, or
- Violates the open meeting or conflict of interest laws.
Can my company do business with the school district if I am a board member?
Yes, but a board member cannot vote on matters in which he or she has a conflict of interest, and, in most circumstances, a board member's company may seek only contracts offered by competitive bidding. The conflict of interest restrictions applicable to governing board members vary if the district's enrollment is greater or less than 3,000 students.
What happens if I move out of the district while I hold office?
Governing board members must reside in their district to hold office. When notified that a member has moved from the district, the county superintendent can fill the vacancy by appointment or by calling a special election.
Serving school boards and school board members in Arizona is at the heart of the Arizona School Boards Association's mission. We promote community volunteer governance of public education and continuous improvement of student success by providing leadership and assistance to public school governing boards and their members. More than 240 school boards and charter schools from across Arizona, representing 1,200-plus school board members and over 1 million children, belong to ASBA.
Board Training and Development
ASBA offers a full-day new board member orientation in election years with basic information to jump start your board service.
ASBA also provides on-going model training and leadership to school board members and administrators, emphasizing best practices and public school governance. We conduct in-service education for prospective and experienced board members, including workshops and seminars, an annual delegate assembly, a "university" of board development, a school law conference and an annual conference. At these and other events, topics of vital interest to school board members are explored in depth to enable better understanding of the complex issues facing public schools and school boards today. Boards also may contract with ASBA for customized board training sessions.
ASBA also offers board members resource materials specifically related to school board issues.
Advocacy
ASBA represents and advocates for the diverse interests of public school governing boards. Our Governmental Relations staff works diligently during the legislative session to ensure adequate state support of education and the enactment of legislation that favors the interests of public schools. The proximity of our headquarters to the state legislature enables our staff to actively engage lawmakers to advance ASBA's political agenda (as adopted by the organization's delegate assembly). During the legislative session, our government relations staff also produces Daily In-Session Updates and Legislative Briefs, a weekly online newsletter, aimed at informing members of pending legislative activity. Board members also have the opportunity to get more involved in state education issues through ASBA's edlegnet listserv and grassroots efforts, including Advocacy Training Workshops.
Liaison is also maintained with the Governor's Office, State Board of Education, Arizona Department of Education and other state agencies affecting the operation of public schools.
Policy Services
Our Policy Services staff provides board with support in developing and maintaining school policy to help ensure that they are in compliance with the most current state and federal laws, regulations and opinions issued by the courts and legal officers. For charter schools, ASBA provides a general operations handbook at a very affordable price.
Legal Services
ASBA's Legal Services staff is available to answer board members' questions about the law and to do a limited amount of legal research. (The ASBA Director of Legal Services is not empowered to give specific legal advice.) ASBA also provides boards with email updates on current legal issues and opinions, and represents the association and its member boards in court and regulatory proceedings. Our Legal Services staff also acts as an advocate for schools in both state and federal courts, based on the ASBA organizational and political agenda.
Other Services
ASBA also:
- Conducts superintendent or other executive searches on behalf of school boards as a fee service;
- Conducts and disseminates research on current issues;
- Publishes the quarterly ASBA Journal and the bi-weekly Report Card newsletter to keep ASBA members and others interested in public education up-to-date on important news and issues; and
- Provides media training to member boards at their request.
Contact Us
Arizona School Boards Association
2100 N. Central Ave., Ste. 200
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 254-1100, (800) 238-4701
Fax (602) 254-1177
CODE OF ETHICS FOR ARIZONA SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
The ASBA Board endorses the following Code of Conduct for local school board members.
Contact Your County Superintendent of Schools
To begin the process of running for election as a school board member, contact your county superintendent of schools:
APACHE COUNTY
75 N. First West
St. Johns, AZ 85936
(928) 337-7539
www.acsbc.net
COCHISE COUNTY
100 Clawson Ave., 3rd Fl
Bisbee, AZ 85603
(520) 432-8950
www.cochise.az.gov
COCONINO COUNTY
2384 N. Steves Blvd.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(928) 779-6591
www.coconino.az.gov/schools
GILA COUNTY
1400 E. Ash St.
Globe, AZ 85501
(928) 425-3231
www.gilacountyschools.org
GRAHAM COUNTY
921 Thatcher Blvd.
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 428-2880
www.graham.az.gov
GREENLEE COUNTY
253 Fifth St.
Clifton, AZ 85533
(928) 865-2822
www.co.greenlee.az.us/schools
LA PAZ COUNTY
1112 Joshua #205
Parker, AZ 85344
(928) 669-6183
www.lapazschools.org
MARICOPA COUNTY
4041 N. Central Ave., #1100
Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 506-3866
www.maricopa.gov/schools
MOHAVE COUNTY
700 W. Beale St.
Kingman, AZ 86401
(928) 753-0747
www.mcss.k12.az.us
NAVAJO COUNTY
100 E. Carter Dr.
S. Highway 77
Holbrook, AZ 86025
(928) 524-4204
www.navajocountyaz.gov/schools
PIMA COUNTY
130 W. Congress, 4th Fl.
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 740-8451
www.schools.pima.gov
PINAL COUNTY
75 N. Bailey St.
Florence, AZ 85132
(520) 866-6565
www.pinalcountyaz.gov/departments/schoolsuperintendent
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
2150 N. Congress Dr.
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 375-7940
www.co.santa-cruz.az.us/schools
YAVAPAI COUNTY
1015 Fair St., #324
Prescott, AZ 86305
(928) 771-3326
www.co.yavapai.az.us
YUMA COUNTY
210 S. 1st Ave.
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 373-1006
www.co.yuma.az.us
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