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Los Angeles, Orange County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
Smart Voter

What makes an effective school board member?

By Melissa "Mel" Salinas

Candidate for Governing Board Member; Lowell Joint Elementary School District

This information is provided by the candidate
"My goal is to work collaboratively with the board, superintendent, staff, parents and taxpayers to maintain policies that foster the most effective learning environment for our children."
Being an effective school board member involves:

  • acting with a professional demeanor that models the district's beliefs and vision;

  • making decisions and providing resources that support mutually agreed upon priorities and goals;

  • upholding district policies the board has approved;

  • ensuring a positive personnel climate exists; and

  • being knowledgeable enough about district efforts to explain them to the public.

Board members have a responsibility to involve the community in meaningful ways in setting a direction for the district and to communicate clear information about district policies, educational programs, fiscal condition and progress on goals adopted to achieve the vision. As the only locally elected officials chosen solely to represent the interests of children, board members also have a responsibility to speak out on behalf of those children. Boards are advocates for students, the school district's educational programs and public education. Board members build support for public education in the local community and at the state and national levels.

Source: CSBA's Professional Governance Standards - http://www.csba.org

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ca/la Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 30, 2010 10:29
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