Serving on the board is a big commitment; it’s deeply rewarding as well.
School board trustees shape the direction of public education for every child in our district.
Set Direction
- Provide goals and success indicators for the superintendent
- Establish expectations for student learning
- Set priorities for the budget
- Establish policies
Establish District Structures
- Hire and evaluate the superintendent
- Establish budget priorities
- Develop, adopt, and follow policies
- Adopt curriculum
- Set parameters for the collective bargaining agreement
Provide Support
- Support staff in carrying out the board's direction
- Provide resources that support mutually agreed upon priorities & goals
- Uphold district policies
- Understand and follow communications plan
- Support a positive climate
- Understand and support key district details and initiatives
Accountability & Legal Compliance
- Monitor and support the success of every student
- Evaluate the superintendent
- Revise and uphold policies
- Adhere to Brown Act
- Maintain confidentiality
- Monitor and make decisions about district finances
- Monitor collective bargaining process
- Board self-evaluation
Demonstrate Community Leadership
- Attend and prepare for Board meetings (10–14 meetings per year)
- Participate in committee meetings
- Engage with and represent the community
- Follow communication protocols
- Act with dignity and engage professionally — in a manner that reflects BVUSD's values and vision
- Advocate for students, district programs, and public education
Resource: The Role of the Board (CSBA)
Why It Matters
Every child in this district is shaped by the decisions you make at the board table.
Key Qualities of Effective Trustees
- Stay focused on the strategic goals of the district.
- Keep learning and achievement for all students as their primary focus.
- Understand the district must serve every child equally well.
- Be prepared and commit the time and energy required to be effective.
Trustees may campaign as an individual, but they serve as a member of a team. Individual trustees do not have the authority to fix problems they may have campaigned to fix.
— Resource: CSBA
