Seeking advocates for the Asheville City Board of Education

Press release from the City of Asheville: 

NOTE: Clarification from earlier announcement – all candidates for the Asheville City Board of Education must be City residents; however, they do not need to live in the Asheville City School District.

The Asheville City Council is seeking interested individuals to fill three seats on the Board of Education. Two of these seats are being vacated by Board Chair Peggy Dalman, who has completed her two 4-year terms and board member Leah Ferguson, who has opted not to submit her name for re-appointment.  In addition, Matt Buys, the current Vice Chair, is eligible for reappointment.

ASHEVILLE CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION – (See Below for Additional Information) The responsibility of the Board is to help steer the educational journeys of our children.  Its decisions influence the lives of students and their parents, teachers, school staff, and district leadership, and impact the overall well-being of the community. The Asheville City Board of Education serves as the governing body of The Asheville City Schools. This board establishes the vision for education in the district. It sets the goals, standards, and tone for what we want our public schools to be and ensures that these schools are responsive to the needs of our local community.  The school board serves the larger purposes of representing the needs of the community in our schools, building bridges among parents, school leadership, and other sectors of the community, and ensuring that our schools are the best they can be. During these challenging times, the school board will also need to advocate for our schools, communicating their needs and challenges to the community.  The school board also performs these specific functions:  (1) Develops, implements, and monitors district policies; (2) Selects, retains, and evaluates the superintendent; (3) Allocates resources and oversees use of funds; (4) Establishes student performance standards; and (5) Serves on various hearing panels.  – The deadline for receiving applications for these openings is Tuesday, February 1, 2017 at 5 p.m.

Please contact Sarah Terwilliger at (828)259-5839 or sterwilliger@ashevillenc.gov for an application to apply.

What is a board of education and why is it important?

A local board of education serves a vital role in our community by helping steer the educational journeys of our children. Its decisions influence the lives of students and their parents, teachers, school staff, and district leadership, and impact the overall well-being of the community. The Asheville City Board of Education serves as the governing body of The Asheville City Schools. This board establishes the vision for education in the district. It sets the goals, standards, and tone for what we want our public schools to be and ensures that these schools are responsive to the needs of our local community.  The school board serves the larger purposes of representing the needs of the community in our schools, building bridges among parents, school leadership, and other sectors of the community, and ensuring that our schools are the best they can be. During these challenging times, the school board will also need to advocate for our schools, communicating their needs and challenges to the community.

The school board also performs these specific functions:

Develops, implements, and monitors district policies
Selects, retains, and evaluates the superintendent
Allocates resources and oversees use of funds
Establishes student performance standards
Serves on various hearing panels

What are the essential attributes of a good board member?

Successful board members recognize the value of public education, possess a passion for supporting teachers and students in our community, and are committed to continuously improving our local school district.
Good board members:

Understand the unique challenges that Asheville City Schools face, particularly as they relate to students living in poverty.

Can think creatively in dealing with limited resources, changing demographics, and increasing expectations.

Know or are willing to learn the legal requirements of operating a public school system.
Are capable of providing oversight for a multi-million dollar budget.

Can provide meaningful evaluation of the performance of the superintendent.
Attend relevant community meetings and events.

Communicate clearly and regularly to the Asheville community.

Members should exhibit a strong commitment to working with others on the board toward the shared vision of providing the best possible education for the children in our community. They should have the capacity to learn and grow as they recognize the scope of the responsibilities of serving on the board. Members must be willing and be prepared to serve as a representative, a leader, and an advocate.  They must be willing to make difficult decisions while balancing many different perspectives on an issue.  Some information that the board is privy to is confidential and it is the responsibility of each member to keep that information confidential.

What are the benefits?

As a board member, you are given the unique opportunity to be a steward of the Asheville City Schools district’s resources, a representative of our community, and an advocate for public education.  Serving on the Board of Education provides you with an opportunity to give back to this community, influence the lives of children, and carry out an essential democratic responsibility.
Members of the board of education impact the experience of more than 4,400 children each year.
The board chair receives a monthly stipend of $350 from Asheville City Schools and board members receive a monthly stipend of $250.

What are the requirements?

Members must be residents of Asheville.  Additionally, they must be registered voters and not be employed by the Asheville City Schools district.  Please note that criminal background checks may be a part of the application process for candidates City Council wishes to interview.
Serving as a board member demands time, energy, and a willingness to listen. Members of the board of education agree to serve for four years, up to two times. The Board meets the first Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. The normal length of the meeting is two hours. One week prior to the regularly scheduled Board meetings, the Board holds one 2-3 hour work session beginning at 4:00pm.   Additional meetings are scheduled as necessary.  Board Members are expected to attend other events and activities of the district.

How do I apply to become a board member?

Those who are interested in serving on the board of education are encouraged to submit an application. Selected candidates will be interviewed and appointed by Asheville City Council.
The process is as follows:

• Applications will be received beginning in January 2017.

• Applications are due on February 1, 2017, by 5:00 p.m.

• Candidates will receive a slate of questions to answer and return by February 8.

• City Council will interview candidate finalists on February 28, 2017, and make appointments at their formal Council meeting that evening.

For an application, stop by City Hall, Room 202 or visit ashevillenc.gov. Under Departments, select City Clerk, then Boards & Commissions, and download an application form.  Additionally, you may contact Sarah Terwilliger at sterwilliger@ashevillenc.gov or 259-5839.

How can I learn more?

Visit the following websites:

Great Schools: greatschools.org  greatschools.org/gk/articles/school-board-candidates/

National School Boards Association: nsba.org www.nsba.org/services/national-connection/leadership-resource-center

North Carolina School Board Association: ncsba.org nsba.org/about-us/what-school-boards-do