Leadership Letter: Move Forward with Confidence
By Kimberly A. Small, J.D.
On behalf of IASB staff, I would like to extend a warm welcome to you as a newly elected member of your local school board! We are thrilled to have you join us in the vital work of supporting and shaping the future of public K-12 education in your communities and for the almost two million students in Illinois’ public schools.
Your decision to serve your community in this vital role demonstrates a deep commitment to ensuring every student has access to a quality public education. As you step into this position, I imagine you may feel excited, and at the same time a bit overwhelmed, by the challenges and opportunities ahead. We want you to know that you are not alone. IASB is here to support you and your fellow board members every step of the way, equipping you with the training, skills, and resources needed to excel in your new leadership role.
Understanding Your Role
As a school board member, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of public education in your local district and have the opportunity to advocate for public education. Your responsibilities include:
- Setting policies that guide the district’s mission and goals.
- Overseeing the budget to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Hiring and evaluating the superintendent.
- Advocating for the needs of students, families, and educators.
- Engaging with the community to build trust and transparency.
To help you navigate these responsibilities, IASB invites you to explore our range of resources and professional development opportunities designed to deepen your understanding of governance, policy, and advocacy.
Building Essential Skills
Effective school board members bring a combination of strategic thinking, collaborative leadership, and a commitment to student success. Your Association, IASB, provides training and workshops that focus on:
- Governance and Policy Development: Learn how to create policies that align with district goals and comply with state and federal regulations.
- Budget and Finance Management: Develop the skills needed to oversee district finances and ensure resources are allocated equitably.
- Superintendent Relations and Evaluations: Understand best practices for maintaining a productive and accountable relationship with your district’s superintendent.
- Community Engagement and Communication: Build strong relationships with families, educators, and community stakeholders to foster transparency and trust.
A first step for your board is the Starting Right workshop, a board self-evaluation that begins with a review of the board’s role in effective governance and continues with a discussion of board expectations for communications, board/superintendent relationships, meetings, and more, all towards becoming a high-performing team. Discover this and all IASB workshops at www.iasb.com.
Access to Valuable Resources
IASB is ready to provide you with resources and support to help you stay informed and effective:
- Online Learning Platforms: Access webinars and guidance documents designed to fit your personal schedule.
- Networking Opportunities: Including the Joint Annual Conference and Division Meetings, join fellow board members to network, learn, and share experiences and best practices.
- Information and Expertise: Keep informed on the public education issues of the day on the IASB website, and read about better meetings, school finance, education law, and more with books from the IASB Bookstore.
- Policy Support and Legal Guidance: Stay informed about legislative changes and policy updates that uniquely affect your district.
Advocacy and Legislative Support
Your status and experience as a local elected official carry a lot of credibility with the Illinois General Assembly and members of Congress, and that makes you a powerful advocate for public education. IASB works diligently at the state and national levels to advocate for resources that support student achievement, evidence-based funding, and local control. We keep you informed about legislative developments and provide resources to help you engage effectively with policymakers. This year, IASB’s legislative priorities focus on:
- School Safety: Establishing statewide guidance, addressing student discipline issues, and ensuring ethical AI use in education.
- Local Control and Flexibility: Reducing unnecessary mandates and reviewing and recommending needed changes to high school graduation requirements to better align with student needs.
- Adequate State and Federal Funding: Advocate for consistent state and federal funding for both the Evidence-Based Funding formula and mandated categorical services that are funded outside of EBF, such as transportation and special education.
You Are Part of a Strong Network
By joining the ranks of school board members across Illinois, you become part of a passionate and dedicated community committed to doing what’s best for the kids in our public schools. We foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing so that you can learn from the experiences of others and contribute to the collective success of all students.
Moving Forward with Confidence
As you begin your journey as a school board member, remember that you don’t have to navigate this path alone. IASB is here to support and empower you with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions, govern with confidence, and positively impact your district. We look forward to serving you and your governance team and supporting your success.
Congratulations on your election to the school board and thank you to everyone for your service — together, we are making a difference!