Public Service Requires Public Engagement

I serve on a local school board. I was elected in April 2021 for a four-year term. It is a challenging role. I have invested much time into this position for the past 3.5 years. I’m grateful for this opportunity to serve in a volunteer, elected position.

It hasn’t been easy. In fact, it’s been incredibly contentious. It doesn’t need to be, but it is.

Recently, I wrote a memo for my fellow board members, the school district administration, staff, and the community about the role a school board member can play in engaging with the community. A copy can be downloaded here.

For years now, I’ve been “admonished” for engaging with the community.

“It’s not allowed.” “Only the President can speak for the Board.” “The Board must act as a collective only.” These are some examples of the comments I’ve received.

I cannot speak for the board of education. I cannot decide for the board of education on my own; only by a majority vote can we make decisions that bind the district. It makes sense for a designated person (usually the President) to speak to the community about board decisions and to engage with the media when necessary. When community members reach out to me about issues at a particular school, about a student, or a program, the appropriate thing to do is forward that message to the Superintendent, who can then re-direct the message to the right people.

I don’t disagree with these policies. However, none of the policies described above prevent me or my colleagues from engaging with the community proactively and learning about their concerns, needs, and ideas. When the board makes a decision I disagree with, I have the right to ethically and constructively seek change.

I wrote this memo to explain why it is lawful and valuable for board members to engage with the community. I also share some solutions to help us become more engaged and impactful as community leaders.

You can read the memo here. You can also download it. Please consider reading it and sharing it with the community.

These are my views, opinions, and suggestions. I cannot speak for the board, but I can ethically and constructively advocate for change.