CHENANGO COUNTY – With elections coming up Wednesday, May 16, local school administrators and school board members say a person doesn’t need to be any sort of educational, financial, or administrative expert to run for a spot on a Board of Education. Rather, all that’s required is expertise – or interest – in being an involved citizen.

What is a Board of Education?

According to the New York state School Board Association, a Board of Education is much like a corporate Board of Directors. But instead of guiding a company, a BOE is often a seven member group that helps develop and guide the future of a school system; acting as the eyes, ears and voice for the community that pays for – and ultimately benefits from – public education.

What does a Board of Education do?

First and foremost, a successful board acts as a team, NYSSBA and members of area BOEs contend. The goal is to work with – and oversee – a district’s superintendent to insure that student needs and public needs are being met.

“They define our kids education for us,” said David Blom, who runs board member training programs at DCMO BOCES in Norwich.

Norwich City School board member Chris Frank said an effective board should apply multiple perspectives – including a taxpayer’s point-of-view (and in some cases a parent’s) – in analyzing nearly every aspect of their local educational system.

“A school benefits from a diverse perspective across the board,” said Norwich City Schools board president Chris Frank. “We don’t always agree on everything – and that’s ideal. When you have diversity among your members...you get a better solution.”

The wide-range of issues board members examine and oversee include grading, curriculum, budget reviews, instruction methods, employment procedures, property maintenance and supply purchasing.