Leadership

In the wake of the recent election, countless Americans have become determined to play a more active role in political life. For those interested in speaking out on issues related to public education, key strategies include identifying credible news sources, finding allies, reaching out to state representatives and local school board members, and holding officials accountable for their decisions.

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Roles and responsibilities of local school board members in relation to student achievement

10.31274/rtd-180813-12019 ◽

2006 ◽

Author(s):

Mary L. Delagardelle

Keyword(s):

Student Achievement ◽

School Board ◽

Board Members ◽

School Board Members ◽

Local School ◽

Roles And Responsibilities

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All Politics Is Organizational: An Analysis of Candidate Recruitment and Political Influence in Pennsylvania School Board Elections

Commonwealth ◽

10.15367/com.v19i2.154 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Nathan R. Shrader

Keyword(s):

School Board ◽

Political Party ◽

Political Influence ◽

State Legislators ◽

Board Members ◽

School Board Members ◽

Local School ◽

Party Organizations ◽

Current State ◽

School Board Elections

This article seeks to enhance the limited research dedicated to local school board elections by investigating whether Pennsylvania school board members are recruited candidates or are self-starters. The article also investigates which kinds of organizations are the most active sources of candidate recruitment and engagement in Pennsylvania school board races and which organizations are the most and least influential in local school board politics. Using a unique dataset obtained through the statewide Pennsylvania School Board Survey and interviews with current state legislators who began their political careers as local school board members, this article finds that local political party organizations play a larger than expected role in influencing local school board elections and recruiting candidates. Board members themselves are also found to be highly engaged in political party activity within their communities before ever seeking office. Also explored are the implications of these findings for school board politics and the discipline’s view of local party organizations.

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