Do School Boards Really Matter?
When people hear “school board,” the first thought is probably--meetings, policies, budgets—it can sound distant from what really matters: our kids and teachers in classrooms. But in reality, school boards play an important role in shaping the experience of every student, teacher, and family in our district.
The Utah School Boards Association outlines key responsibilities for board members:
Setting the mission, vision, and goals
Providing financial oversight
Understanding funding sources and advocating
Creating policy
Hiring and evaluating the superintendent and business administrator
Engaging with the community
Monitoring district performance
That’s no small list. And as we prepare to launch a brand-new school district, it’s essential that we elect school board members who are capable—and committed—to carrying out these responsibilities with integrity and transparency.
The Board and the Superintendent: A Partnership
A strong district relies on a healthy partnership between the board and the superintendent. The board represents the public and sets direction; the superintendent manages the day-to-day operations. These roles are different but complementary.
Board members must keep a broad perspective. They represent their seat, but they also have a duty to the district as a whole. When competing needs arise board members must respect each other and collaborate so that decisions are equitable and fair for all students.
Why This Balance Matters
The best outcomes happen when everyone on the governance team understands their role and supports one another. Our best good comes from working together for the good of all students, families, employees, and community members.
That means electing leaders who are both experienced and objective.
Experience with Perspective
Experience in education—whether as a teacher, principal, or district employee—brings valuable insights and empathy. But being an effective board member also requires the ability to transition into a new role: one focused on governance, policy, and oversight rather than day-to-day management.
That’s where I stand.
I bring years of experience working directly in schools and across the district supporting teachers and other district staff. I understand how schools function and what they need to thrive. At the same time, I was not part of administrative decision-making. This means I can contribute informed perspectives while remaining fully objective and independent."
This balance gives me a unique advantage:
I know how schools work.
I am free from current conflicts of interest with the district or any of its partners.
I can make decisions objectively, with students and families as my top priority.
I can ask the hard questions, listen carefully, and keep the community’s interests at the center of every decision.
So, Do School Boards Really Matter?
Yes—school boards matter more than most people realize. They set the vision, safeguard resources, and ensure accountability. Their choices ripple into classrooms, shaping the daily experience of students and teachers alike.
As our new district takes its first steps, electing board members who understand these responsibilities—and are ready to serve with honesty, integrity, and objectivity—will make all the difference.
That’s the work I am committed to doing.