The basic function of a school board is to provide local citizen control over education at a point as close to the parent and child as possible.  This means that the school board represents the citizens of the school district – not just some of the citizens, but all.  Because different patrons have varying ideas about schools, the responsibility of serving the board can present a challenge.

The encompassing responsibility for education rests with the State of Nebraska.  The state delegates and holds accountable the local board of education.  School boards are granted latitude in governing the school district, but are subject to state and federal rules and regulations.

The most important responsibilities of a school board are to:

1. Employ a superintendent

2. Hold him/her responsible for managing the school district in accordance with state law and the school board’s policies

3. Identify and adopt educational goals for the school district

4. Engage the community in the discussion and support of student learning and achievement

The board is required to meet in public because a school board is a governmental body, the board can only take action by majority vote at a public meeting.  An individual board member has no authority other than the right to cast a vote at such meeting.  A board member who attempts to speak for the total board, direct members of the staff, or make individual decisions is a board member acting outside of their authority.

The purpose of a school board meeting is to transact the legal business of the school district through discussion and voting among the members.  The board must also provide time at meetings for the public to be heard.  Public comment is one way for the board to assess the values of the people they represent; however, those who speak at a school board meeting do not necessarily represent the entire community, or even the majority.  Effective community relations is an important responsibility of the board, superintendent, and staff.

Our purpose at Broken Bow states that we believe our students should embrace the past, be successful today, and attain excellence in the future by building character while encouraging each student to show respect, responsibility, integrity an compassion. We optimize learning for each student through cooperation with families, school, and community providing a comprehensive and enriching education.  Finally, by widening opportunities for each student by using today’s technology for tomorrow’s excellence.

If you are interested in becoming a board member the NASB Candidate Guide Serving Public Education can be accessed at the following link: http://members.nasbonline.org/NewsandResources/Publications/Documents/Candidate%20Guide%202016.pdf

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