What Makes a Great School Board Member? What makes a school
board effective? Learn what qualities to look for in a
successful school board member. By GreatSchools Staff An
effective school board plays an important watchdog role in
keeping your local school on track, and setting policies that
affect your child and your school. The school board sets the
vision and goals for the school district, and holds the district
accountable for results. One school board member cannot do the
job alone. Effective school board members contribute their
unique talents while collaborating and working as a team with
other board members. What Do School Boards Do? Communities
typically elect a school board of three, five or seven trustees
to oversee the local school district and make certain the
desires of the community are met. The school board's primary
responsibilities are to: - Set the vision and goals for the
district - Adopt policies that give the district direction to
set priorities and achieve its goals - Hire and evaluate