The Role of Advisory School Boards in Alaska’s REAAs

Jenni Lefing, Membership Services Manager

Alaska’s education system offers distinct challenges and opportunities, especially within the state’s 23 Regional Educational Attendance Areas (REAAs).   

A key component of REAA’s are locally elected advisory school boards, which play a critical role as the connection between local communities and their schools.                

While Alaska Statute (AS 14.08.115) requires regional school boards to establish an advisory school board in each community with more than 50 permanent residents, borough school districts may also establish advisory school boards. 

The sole purpose of advisory school boards (ASBs) is to advise the school and the regional school board about that school’s operations and educational programs.  These boards may be known by different names across districts, such as Local School Advisory Committees (Lake & Peninsula), Advisory Education Committees (Bering Strait), Student Advisory Committees (North Slope), Community School Committees (Southwest Region), and Advisory School Councils (Northwest Arctic & Southeast Island). Regardless of their name, they are locally elected bodies that operate under board policy (Article 8, Series 8000). 

Like Article 9—Bylaws of the School Board—Article 8 in AASB’s Model Policy lays out the roles and responsibilities of Advisory School Boards. This includes explaining the ASB’s powers and duties, membership makeup, election process, officers and their roles, and how to run ASB meetings. 

As outlined in school district policy BP 8200: POWERS AND DUTIES:

The powers and duties of the Advisory School Board are delegated by the School Board and may be discharged only at a legal meeting conducted according to School Board policy and administrative regulations.

Advisory School Boards shall advise the School Board and administration on all matters concerning the schools and shall perform other duties as prescribed by the School Board.

As noted in this policy, the ASB functions under the direction of the School Board and is advisory except in those areas specified by the School Board. For example, advisory school boards (within guidelines established by the school board) may be responsible for the community’s use of the school, involved with developing the school calendar and schedule, and allocating site/community-generated funds for student activities. 

Through all of ASB’s power and duties, the relationship between the ASB and principal/site administrator is key to having an effective ASB. This relationship is quite similar to the school board and superintendent relationship, except the principal/site administrator is supervised by the Superintendent or other designated district staff. 

Role of the School Board

It is also important for school boards to actively engage with and support Advisory School Boards. We recommend the following:

• Ensure Policies are Accurate: Keep policies regarding Advisory School Boards (BP 8000s) up to date and accurate.
• Provide Orientation & Training: Ensure orientation is taking place for new advisory board members and yearly training is taking place for advisory boards. (https://aasb.org/training-workshops) 
• Value Advisory Input: Take advisory committee recommendations seriously—they provide valuable insights into school operations.
• Support School Events: Encourage and assist ASBs in organizing events that strengthen school-community connections.
• Appoint a Representative: Designate a school board representative for each advisory board.
• Include ASB Reports in Board Meeting Materials: Ensure advisory board minutes or committee reports are included in board meeting materials.
• Seek ASB Input: Actively engage with ASBs to gather their perspectives and recommendations.

Advisory School Boards in Alaska’s REAAs can play a vital role in ensuring local communities have a voice in their children’s education. To maximize their impact, school boards must work collaboratively with ASBs, providing them with the support and recognition they need to succeed.  AASB offers extensive training opportunities for advisory school boards to help them understand their role and be effective voices for their communities and schools.  For more information, visit: https://aasb.org/training-workshops