An effective school board is committed to the ultimate goal - the success of each student - and must be able to work together to balance competing interests and move the district forward in a positive way.

It's important that all board members understand that the board governs as a team, where the majority vote of the board determines the direction of the school district.

While the Board of Education only has decision-making authority through a vote of the entire board, the structure of the board and the roles individual board members play can vary. 

School districts work best through the coordinated efforts of boards and superintendents.

To best represent the interests of students in your schools, trustees should develop an understanding of the public education regulatory system, and be prepared to advocate for the needs of their district to legislators and education department officials.