The School Board
Who: A handful of community members who oversee your district, often unpaid or barely paid. They're usually elected by voters in your district. In a few big cities the mayor appoints some or all of them instead: Boston's board is appointed by the mayor, most of New York City's citywide board is mayor-appointed, and Chicago's was until 2025 and switches to a fully elected board in 2027. The board hires and fires the superintendent, so the whole district office answers to it.
Power: The most of anyone locally. The board has final say on the budget, policy, and top hires, and it can move fast enough to blindside everyone. Bad boards micromanage, tell teachers how to teach, and spring rash decisions on the community. How much a board can decide on its own depends on state law, so check the state section below.
What they care about: Getting re-elected, which means keeping parents and voters happy. Many members ran over one issue they care about a lot. Unions, advocacy groups and parent groups often back candidates, so members listen to them.
How to work with them: Board meetings are public, and most include public comment. Adults speak there every month; a student with a clear ask stands out.
- Find the agenda on the district website. It's usually posted a few days before the meeting.
- Check the sign-up rules. Many boards make you sign up before the meeting starts, sometimes online the day before.
- Plan for 2–3 minutes: your name, your school, one story, one ask.
- Don't expect an answer that night. Boards usually can't discuss topics that aren't on the agenda. Email members afterward and ask one to meet.
Many districts also have a student board member. They usually can't vote, but they sit at the table, can ask questions on the record, and know every member. Talk to them first.