This page is specifically for those who are running or considering a run for their local school board. Please see the links below for information important to you.
This page is specifically for those who are running or considering a run for their local school board. Please see the links below for information important to you.
Your local school board makes the decisions that determine how your community’s children are educated and how your tax dollars are spent. Running for a school board member position is a simple but powerful way to support student success and strengthen your community.
The decisions made by the school board affect virtually every important aspect of local schools from boundaries to bus schedules, curriculum to clubs, and funding to field trips.
The Georgia Constitution requires that an elected school board oversee each school system. Members of a local school board are to “manage and control” and to make decisions on almost every aspect of public schools. Each school board — as a whole — serves as the governing body. Individual board members have no authority outside of the board room. School board members make decisions that impact the entire school system, not just the area they represent. It is important that candidates know that the work of school boards impacts all students in the district and that candidates must carefully consider their platforms for campaigning.
The day-to-day operational responsibilities are delegated to the superintendent as chief executive officer. However, responsibilities of a public school board also include, but are not limited to some duties that cannot be delegated, such as:
Buying and selling school property (including the power of condemnation)
Calling elections to authorize a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and bond elections to authorize the issuance of bonded debt
Making the policies and rules necessary to govern the school system
Reorganization and consolidation of schools within their control
Authority to hire employees on the recommendation of the superintendent.
In Georgia, there are a few qualifications for school board membership. In many instances, local laws prescribe additional qualifications such as residing within a particular ward or election district. Candidates must file an affidavit with the elections superintendent affirming that he or she has read and agreed to abide by the local board’s code of ethics and conflict of interest policy and has agreed to annually disclose compliance with those policies and the State Board of Education’s training policy.
Board members should be willing to serve
Are eligible to vote
Be a qualified voter
Reside within the school district’s political boundaries
On the other hand, there are several provisions in Georgia law that address what disqualifies an individual from serving on the school board.
School board elections and candidate qualifications are specific to each county. Interested candidates should either visit the elections office or county webpage for more information. Candidates can also visit the Run for Public Office page on the state of Georgia’s website for information on registering at the state level.
The district policy manual is important in understanding the requirements imposed by law upon the school district, as well as the paths the board of trustees have chosen within the discretion permitted the board by state and federal law and regulation. Many district policy manuals can be found on the board’s website.
Whole board governance team training (includes the superintendent)
Coursework based on the state board's core curriculum aligned to the state standards
School finance and budgeting (not including the hour in the local orientation)
Local district orientation (one hour must focus on school finance)
Whole board governance team training (includes the superintendent)
Coursework based on the state board's core curriculum aligned to the state standards