Become a Board Member

Many of the qualities that make a Board member great are acquired over time through training and experience. So don’t underestimate your potential contribution as a Board member, even though you may never have served in such a capacity. As you consider running for the School Board, think about whether these characteristics describe you.

• You hold a conviction that public education is important.

• You’re committed to public involvement.

• You have the ability to make decisions.

• You believe in the democratic process.

• You’re willing to devote time and energy to your new position.

• You can accept the will of the majority.

• You have the courage to stand up for your convictions.

• You have respect for district employees.

• You communicate well with others.

• You’re a team player.

• You understand the board’s role is governance and the superintendent's role is operational management of the district.

Your duty will be representing all students, staff and members of the community as you work with other Board members to craft policy. The School Board’s authority rests with the Board as a whole not with individual Board members. Board decisions are made by majority rule and, as one member of this governing body, you may find yourself in the position of supporting some decisions that you voted against.

These are some characteristics of ineffective Board members:

• They have a desire to direct school administration.

• They allow personal feelings toward others to affect their judgment.

• They allow personal interests to transcend the best interests of the district.

• They neglect board duties.

• They find it difficult to make decisions or take public stands.

• They represent special interests or a particular geographic area rather than the interests of the entire district.

• They adopt an arrogant or paternalistic attitude toward district employees and the public.

School Board service is volunteer-based and involves a substantial time commitment – and remember, there’s no salary. The Beaverton School Board typically meets one or two evenings a month. Before the regular meetings, you’ll need to study the materials provided (board packets), so you can make informed decisions. In addition, a substantial time commitment is required of Board members beyond meetings and meeting-preparation time. There are committee meetings, work sessions and appearances on behalf of the district. During collective bargaining with employee unions, you may find yourself immersed in a very time-consuming process.

School Board service often requires long, unpaid hours working alone, on committees and with members of the community. You’ll struggle sometimes to find solutions to complex problems – and even when you do, the solutions won’t please everyone. However, you’ll have the satisfaction of watching students receive their diplomas, knowing that you played a role in their achievement. As a Board member, you’ll help shape tomorrow’s citizens and leaders.

Check out School Board Policy Section A/B Board Governance and Operations for more information on the work of a school board member. 

You must be a registered voter, live within the school board zone you that you wish to represent, and have lived in the district for one year immediately preceding the election. School district employees may not be School Board members.

Board members are elected to four-year terms. Though candidates are nominated from the Board Zone in which they live, all voters in the District vote on the positions. Please visit the School Board webpage for more information and to view zone maps. Also, please verify the zone that you reside in by checking the zone map.

The next election is May 18, 2021. 

Candidates must complete an application and file with the Washington County Elections Office between February 6 and March 18 at 5:00 p.m. The deadline to file a candidate statement for the Voters Pamphlet is March 22 at 5:00 p.m. (Postmarks are not accepted.)

Special District Election filing forms and instructions can be found on the Washington County website. Candidates also may pick up the forms at the Washington County Elections Office, Suite 170, 2925 NE Aloclek Drive in Hillsboro. For election-related questions, please call 503-846-5800.

Board candidate campaigns range from simple to sophisticated. One common element, however, is the state requirement for reporting campaign finances. State law limits the sources and amounts of contributions and the purposes for which those contributions may be spent. Contact the Secretary of State Elections Division online or at 503-986-1518 for guidance.

The Oregon School Board Association (OSBA) offers workshops and conferences for potential candidates to learn about being a board member. The OSBA also equips School Board members with the leadership training once they’ve been elected. 

Throughout the community, there are organizations who provide support to people who want to run for public office. Current School Board members also are available as a resource.