Tiffany Jackson
Executive Director
AASB
After what feels like two seconds of summer, we can already feel that crisp bite of fall. I don’t know about you, but I don’t feel like I got nearly my fair share of sunny days this summer. Before you know it, snow will be on the ground. While I wish there were more sunny days, there is something innately joyful about starting a new school year. Students are back in our buildings, candidates are running for school board, staff members are getting to implement their profession, and public education is happening!
Great things are happening every day in our schools. Students are making connections – learning new concepts – and discovering as well as sharing who they are! Some students want to go into healthcare, others want to be mechanics, and yet others are still discovering what bit of the world may spark some enthusiasm and help them to become engaged learners.
In the midst of all this is election season. Inspired individuals are running for school board, city council, the House of Representatives, the Senate, and this year, governor. People run for a variety of reasons. For people who are running for a repeat term, their reason for running now may have changed from the reason they first ran. For many (if not most), it’s because they want to make a difference.
I admire people who step up and say they’re willing to take a place in this thing we call democracy. It’s not easy to put yourself on that stage. It’s harder still if you’re new to the environment and the language people use in these areas. The language of public education can be an alphabet soup of acronyms. Having been in this arena for nearly 20 years I still find myself having to look up what things stand for. Never mind learning your role as an elected official if you are successful in your election.
I was elected to my school board in 2007. I was younger then, and full of ideas, and I didn’t have a full understanding of what my role was as a school board member. I remember attending my first school board meeting with experienced board members and thinking, “Wow, I’m lucky to be in the room with these leaders, learning from them and working to make a difference for our students.” Then they elected me president at that same meeting! I wasn’t fully sure of what my role was, much less how to lead them to make decisions in the best interest of our students!
Lucky for me, the Association of Alaska School Boards was there to help me learn, along with my board. I’ve been in roles where I’ve supervised people for much of my career. I’ve shared numerous times with new hires, it’ll be a year before you feel like you know what you’re doing, and probably two years until you actually do. I fully believe this applies to school board members as well. Maybe even longer, since most school board members are part-time volunteers. Fortunately, most districts have adopted Board Bylaw 9240, which shares in part “school board members need to participate in professional development activities that help them understand their responsibilities, stay abreast of new developments in education, and learn new ways to cope effectively with the problems they confront.”
This is where the Association of Alaska School Boards can help. As school board members of member districts, we’re here to support you in the work you do. Have a question? Call us, or email us, we’re happy to be a resource. Want board training? Reach out! We can help you in more areas than you might expect. We can provide board trainings ranging from roles and responsibilities, board self-assessment, superintendent evaluation, data consultation and data storytelling, effective meetings, grant and project management, policy online, school climate and connectedness, strategic planning, trauma-engaged schools, superintendent searches, and more!
One of the best learning opportunities we offer is our flagship event, our Annual Conference in November. At this training, school board members from across the state come together to learn about best practices from experts, and from each other. Connect with peers, learn from inspiring keynote speakers, participate in engaging breakout sessions and networking opportunities, and leave with practical ideas to strengthen your district. Learn more about this year’s event here!
Whether you’re a seasoned school board member, someone running for office, or just interested in supporting public education, election season is an important time of year. Get to know your candidates. Ask them what their priorities are for public education. Ask them about the issues important to your district. Then, when they’re elected, support them in getting the professional development they need to effectively lead the district and best support your students because a new school year and a new board deserve a strong start.