What does the school board do?
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The board’s major responsibility is setting the Hillsboro School District policies. Board members must also:
- Establish and adopt the Hillsboro School District budget.
- Approve Hillsboro School District curriculum adoption.
- Set goals, evaluate progress toward those goals such as the Hillsboro 2023-24 Plan and Strategic Financial Plan.
- Ask voters to approve bond measures and local option levies.
- Advocate with the legislature on behalf of Hillsboro School District children.
- Guide collective bargaining with HSD employee groups.
Board Goals for 2022-23
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- The Board will participate in the development and adoption of a four-year strategic plan.
- The Board will direct the Superintendent to encourage staff to actively engage with students and create feedback loops to foster mutual understanding, increase awareness, and demonstrate action. The Board will use student input to improve policies and procedures so they align with the District’s value of educational equity and serve to promote success among all students.
- The Board will seek community engagement opportunities, with an emphasis on historically underserved families, in order to inform policy decisions, continually improve district systems and processes, and to guide Board professional development.
- The Board will participate in the development and adoption of a four-year strategic plan.
Announcements
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What makes a good board member?
- Public education advocate
- Skilled decision maker
- Willing to devote time and energy to your volunteer position
- Courage to stand up for your convictions
- Team player
- Understanding the board’s role is governance and the role of the superintendent and her team is to manage the operations of the district.
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How much time is required?
It varies. School board service involves a substantial time commitment as an unpaid volunteer. The Hillsboro School Board typically meets twice a month; you will also need to study the agenda packet prior to the meeting. There are also committee meetings, work sessions and appearances. During these past two years, the board has had an unusually high level of commitments as the board met regarding the implementation of the Student Success Act, COVID-19/Ready Schools Safe Learning as well as our commitment focused on Equity & Inclusion and the Role of SROs in our schools. Attend one of the board’s virtual meetings to learn more!
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How do I become a school board candidate?
Board members are elected to four-year terms. You must be a registered voter and you must have lived in the district for one year immediately preceding the election. School district employees elected to serve on their board must give up district employment to sit on the board.
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When are school board elections?
The next election is May 16, 2023.
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How do I file?
The filing period opens February 4, 2023 and ends March 16, 2023; candidates must file in Washington County (website). Prospective candidates can file in one of two ways:
- Submit a petition containing the signatures of 25 registered voters or 10 percent of the registered voters in the district, whichever is less; OR
- Submit a declaration of candidacy with a $10 filing fee
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How can I receive training?
Through workshops and conferences, Oregon School Boards Association equips school board members with the leadership training they need to perform at their best. OSBA provides candidates resources to learn more about being a board member.
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What do I need to know before I start campaigning?
Board candidate campaigns range from simple to sophisticated. One common element, however, is the state requirement for reporting campaign finances. State law limits the sources and amounts of contributions and the purposes for which those contributions may be spent. Contact the Secretary of State Elections Division online or at (503) 986-1518 for guidance.
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How are school board members of color supported?
OSBA helped establish the Oregon School Board Members of Color Caucus in 2016. Caucus members have identified their mission as “to promote quality education for all students with emphasis on the unique needs of students of color.”
Oregon Futures Lab and its partners uplift leaders of color to enter public office and govern effectively.
Resources
- Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) Get On Board website
- Board Goals 2022-23
- 2022-23 Working Agreements
- 2023 - Prospective Board Member Notes
- Individual Board Member’s Authority and Responsibilities
- Board Member Qualifications
- Board Powers and Duties
- Board Member Standards of Conduct
- OSBA School Board Candidate Guide
