Do You Have What it Takes To Be A School Board Director?

Running for office can be an intimidating prospect, but that doesn’t mean it’s not for you. depends on all types of people to determine the best course of action for local students.

School Board Vice Chairwoman Betsy Scheurer has learned a thing or two about what the job entails during her time on the School Board. She was first elected in 2005 and is now serving in her second term, which expires December 2013. She’s been active in the district’s Legislative Action Coalition, the Minnesota School Boards Association and the Association of Metropolitan School Districts.

With filing for the 2011 election starting Aug. 2, Scheurer shared her insights into what it’s like to be a School Board director. 

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What type of background should a school board director have? I don't believe there is a specific background that a school board director needs to have to be successful. A school district is so complex that a wide variety of people on the Board, with varied experiences and perspectives, makes the Board more effective. 

How much experience should a school board director have working with government or in politics? This can range greatly. I know some very effective Board members who had zero experience with politics before being elected. This has never impacted their ability to represent the school district well. Others have come on the Board with some previous experience as an elected official OR in working on political issues. Versus experience in government and politics, a Board member should care about kids and about the community above all else.

What type of personality makes for a good school board director? In my experience, the most effective Board members have been respectful to others, strong listeners, and willing to represent all areas of the community, not just one section/issue. In the four years of a Board member's term, they'll be asked to address a wide range of topics from budget to test scores; from cultural proficiency to political advocacy. Someone who can adapt, learn, and communicate well will find their time on the Board very rewarding.

What is the time commitment for a school board director? This truly can vary from person to person, and from season to season.  Some Board members are able to commit 30+ hours a week to the work; others squeeze in 10 or less hours a week into their already packed schedule. The summers are lighter than during the school year, and our springs are very busy but with lots of celebrations and festivities. A school board director may put in some hard hours in the fall/winter, but we are rewarded with end of school year activities like the high school graduation ceremony. Giving diplomas to our elated graduates makes up for anything else in the school year.

What are the challenges of being on the school board? We represent the community's interest in OUR public schools. Often times the decisions made at the Board table are not win-win; they take thoughtful deliberation and weighing of all the options. A Board member will never please everyone, and that can be a difficult realization for some. Board members are also asked to give of their time, which can mean time away from family/friends/and other interests. Finding a balance with the new responsibility can be a challenge. With our elections staggered every two years, a new Board member will always have "veteran" board members who are willing to provide guidance and counsel. The learning curve can be pretty steep those first six months, so it is really important to have mentors in your fellow Board members. 

What are the rewards of being on the school board? I personally met my fiancé through my work as a School Board member and state-wide education advocacy, so I consider that a GREAT reward! But those results are not typical, :-) I believe most Board members would say their reward lives in the knowledge that they are doing good work for the community and for our students. School Board members give of themselves so that our community can thrive. The more we do today to ensure that students are prepared for tomorrow, the better tomorrow will be. If you have interest in community service and civic responsibility, the School Board is for you! 

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Hopkins Public School Pre-Filing Workshop

• What: A workshop for residents interested in running for a position on the School Board. Attendees will learn about the School Board’s role and the election process. They will also have a chance to meet with current directors.
• When: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday
• Where: Boardroom, (1001 Highway 7, Hopkins)

Those who wish to attend are asked to RSVP by contacting Bobbi McLaird at bobbi_mclaird@hopkins.k12.mn.us or at 952-988-4021.

Do you want to run?

• Filing date: Aug. 2 and Aug. 16
• Filing cost: $2
• Filing location: Hopkins Public Schools' district offices (1001 Highway 7, Hopkins)
• Eligibility: Residents must be …
  • at least 21 years of age,
  • an eligible voter,
  • a resident who has lived in the Hopkins Public Schools district for at least 30 days.

For more information about filing, call 952-988-4001.