I hope that you and yours have enjoyed these last couple of weeks. Whatever your religious persuasion–or lack of it–the holiday season is always a special time of year. The end of the holidays also means that I’m resuming the conversations I’ve been having with my supporters.
This week, I’ll answer one of those questions that I get from the people I meet with. Phrased in different ways, that question amounts to: “Just what does the State Board of Education do?”
Board members impact Ohio’s schools in three main ways.
- First, the Board hires and fires the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Because he reports directly and publicly to them, Board members are uniquely positioned to hold the Superintendent accountable for his or her actions and those of the Department of Education.
- Second, the Board sets educational policy within the requirements of state law. Since the Board reacts to legislation rather than enacting it, candidates can’t promise specific votes. Voters have to trust that we will use our principles, knowledge, and experiences to help make wise policy decisions.
- Third, Board members have an opportunity to serve as public advocates for children and education. This part of the job truly interests and excites me, and I am looking forward to working with diverse stakeholders–including parent, community, and faith-based groups, teachers, administrators, and local boards–to promote better schools and a brighter future for Ohio.
This post originally appeared on the website of my 2016 campaign for State Board of Education, http://bill4board.us.
