Across the nation there are approximately 15,000 school boards, each addressing some of the same issues, some completely different.

Every year school board seats become available for district residents to step forward and take the oath to protect children and the schools’ best interests.

The requirements that are laid out for candidates seem easy enough, but what does it really take to be on the school board? Taking a look at the current Norwich Board of Education, The Evening Sun has gathered some answers to that difficult question.

“It takes a certain type of individual, for sure,” said Board President Robert Patterson, who has served on the school board 10 years total. “I do it for the love of the children and for the challenge of being part of my community,” he said. “The children never cease to amaze me.”

Patterson spends roughly three to four hours a week as well as “seat time” to attend two meetings each month. He said it takes all types of people to make the board function.

Being one of seven board members, Patterson says the community can have difficulty understanding that when matters are brought in front of the board, it takes time to explore issues and the response is not generally immediate. “The board is just one of the many avenues complaints and other information channel through,” Patterson said. “We are one of many. Our team includes seven board members, the superintendent, the deputy superintendent, administration, teachers support staff and the community at large.”

Being the governing body of the school, board members are faced with decisions pertaining to discipline, academics, expenditures for all transactions and for the overall policies and procedures the school abides by. With that said, the board oftentimes faces difficult as well as satisfying moments. Board member Kathleen Coates says there are times she feels the board has not done enough while other situations make her feel like she has truly helped.

Members of the board come from all parts of the community; some have educational backgrounds while others work in diverse venues. The common ground all of the seven on the current board is that each have or have had children within the Norwich school system. Sitting at board meetings and approving the annual budget, board members say, is just one aspect that helps keep the district in check. “It is important for the district to be governed by the board. We make policy, provide financial direction, give personnel input, take part in curriculum decisions and more,” said Priscilla Johnson, a two and a half year board veteran. Johnson said she believes the community that she serves carries a respect for the board and that the board is a staple of that community.