Why School Board Elections Matter

Why School Board Elections Matter

Every child enrolled in our school district is a reason for you to vote in school board elections. Early voting is now taking place for our school board elections.

Election day for these races is Tuesday, September 20.

Due to the consolidation of Hughes and West Memphis school districts this year every seat on the school board is up for election.

School board elections typically do not see the kind of turnout we see during the general election. But I encourage all of you to take these races just as seriously. The impact the school board has on a community is enormous.

The overall quality of our schools rest with decisions made by the board. You want the best and the brightest of your fellow citizens in charge.

The school board sets the direction of the district, ensures that it is properly administered, establishes policy and represents the education interests of the community.

Arkansas school boards are authorized to:

• Prescribe the form of school organization, such as grade levels for elementary, middle and high schools

• Specify the size, type, style, quality and location of district buildings, within Arkansas Department of Education guidelines and with its approval

• Choose the superintendent and approve the hiring of teachers, subject to state licensing requirements

• Determine the types and amount of school equipment

• Decide what will be taught in order to meet or exceed state standards

• Determine the extent of student transportation

• Adopt appropriate policies and procedures that are consistent with the law for students, staff, parents and volunteers For any school board election, we should ask candidates their vision for high academic achievement. He or she should be able to work effectively with other members of the board. And he or she should have the commitment to do what is right for all children.

If you have not voted yet in this election, I encourage you to research the candidates and make every effort to get to the polls.

Everyone—not just parents—has a stake in the success of public schools. When our schools succeed, everyone benefits.

From State Representative Deborah Ferguson