GO's Election Season Kick-Off: The Roles and Responsibilities of the Oakland School Board

July 22, 2010

In News Blog

Last night, nearly 100 Oakland education advocates gathered for GO's Elections Season Kick-Off, co-hosted by the League of Women Voters of Oakland. In attendance were educators, parents, school/district staff, Board members, community members, and education advocates from across the City. After guests had a brief opportunity to network with one another around their interest in and support for public education in Oakland, the GO Public Schools team welcomed the group and provided updates on important organizational developments and current issue campaigns.  

Chris Maricle, from the California School Boards Association, delivered the keynote address on the Roles and Responsibilities of the Oakland School Board. Mr. Maricle discussed the basics of school governance structures, the ways in which school boards exercise their leadership, and the role of the public in electing and influencing the school board's priorities and activities. He shared that the Board has five key responsibilities - to provide direction, structure, support, accountability, and community advocacy and support to ensure a high functioning, high quality public school district. He also spoke of the attributes of effective board members: preparation, focus, mindfulness, and manner. While we elect individuals to the board, and individual board members have influence over their colleagues, the board makes decisions as a unified body. Where does the public fit into all of this? The community's role includes participating in the election process, attending meetings, and offering to help.


Participants left the event inspired to engage more meaningfully with school board members and make informed choices when voting for school board candidates this November. Great Oakland Public Schools is excited about the momentum coming out of the event, and is committed to being a source for relevant, quality information about the 2010 November elections! GO Public Schools is YOUR 2010 election connection!
 
Here's what you can do right now: 

• Review our up-to-date Elections Information: Candidate questionnaires, interviews, endorsements and more!
• Volunteer to help GO increase its presence in the community by participating in one of the many community events we've got lined up!
• Join the Board Agenda Watch team and help us preview, attend, and review board and committee meetings this year! 

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