Commentary: Gather neighbors, friends and go vote for your school board May 10

School boards play a pivotal role in the success of a community. The school board is legally responsible for setting, enforcing and monitoring policies that govern the operations of the school district. School boards hold a lot of power in our communities.”

School board elections are a vital part of ensuring children in Delaware have access to an equitable education. Here’s why you should vote in this year’s school board elections on Tuesday, May 10.

School boards play a pivotal role in the success of a community. The school board is legally responsible for setting, enforcing and monitoring policies that govern the operations of the school district. School boards hold a lot of power in our communities.

They are responsible for:

• Development and implementation of district policies, programs and functions.
• Setting the district budget.
• Evaluating the superintendent.
• Developing and approving curriculum in accordance with state law and the Delaware Department of Education regulations.

When you vote for a school board candidate, you are voting for someone to become part of the district governing body. School board member responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Hiring the superintendent, who manages administrators and educators.
• Holding the superintendent accountable for student outcomes (i.e., literacy and numeracy).
• Facilitating the vision of the district through an approved strategic plan.
• Ensuring millions of public dollars are spent appropriately and are allocated equitably and reach staff, facilities, students and technology.
• Being responsive to the interests of the community.

So what qualities make a good school board member? An ideal school board member is:

• Vision-oriented; excellence-focused.
• Able to communicate and collaborate.
• Able to speak up and show up on behalf of students and their outcomes.
• Intentional with diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Strategic, courageous and an innovative thinker.
• Committed to constituent needs.

School board candidates should reflect their communities, understand the needs of their district’s students and be willing to listen and learn in order to make effective change in our schools. Whether you have children in school or not, your voice matters because our kids are Delaware’s future.

On Tuesday, May 10, 2022, remember: You are voting for more than a school board member — you are voting for someone that will represent your best interests. Be sure you educate yourself on the candidates in your respective school districts at votedelaware.org and vote411.org/delaware. Then, use your voice by casting your vote.

Dr. Terri Hodges is the education chair for the NAACP’s central Delaware branch and a parent in the Caesar Rodney School District.