Given the importance of education to the success of California’s children and economy, there are few more noble undertakings than service on a local school board. The decisions made by school board members on issues ranging from budget and personnel matters to curriculum and discipline policies will often determine the success or failure of students. These issues and policies, however, are often complicated and board members face difficult decisions.

Newly elected school board members bring freshness and enthusiasm to their roles, but often arrive unfamiliar with many of the issues they will have to confront. From understanding how best to negotiate with unions, to realizing the intricacies of state and local finance, to maneuvering the district bureaucracy, the average layperson often arrives ill prepared. Yet, by following a few simple guidelines, it is possible for new school board members to hit the ground running and not be tripped up by a lack of knowledge and experience.

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