The status quo wasn't working. You saw the need for a different vision in your school system. You knew that leadership change was necessary. You accepted the challenge to run for school board--and you won!
Now what?
Governing brings a new set of challenges and opportunities. The learning curve is steep, but you don't have to navigate this new territory alone.
The Heritage Foundation is pleased to offer a virtual, six-session training series for new school board members like you--eager to empower families and put kids' needs first.
- Get the tools, knowledge, and resources you need to succeed in your new role.
- Get equipped with valuable tips and insights from education policy experts and experienced school board members who have succeeded at driving change at the local level.
- Get connected to a larger community of school board members from across the country who face similar challenges.
Program Schedule
This series will be delivered virtually one evening a week
April 20 - May 25, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. EDT
Session #1: Understanding Your Purpose, Mission, and Operating Environment
Wednesday, April 20
Wednesday, April 20
- Know what a school board must do and who you serve
- Master school boards' governing rules and laws
- Understand all of the people involved in the process--both officially and unofficially--and the roles they play
Session #2: School Board Finance
Wednesday, April 27
Session #3: Hot Topics, Part I - Critical Race Theory and Gender Ideology
Wednesday, May 4
Wednesday, April 27
- Learn how to read your budget, where the resources for school budgets come from, and who decides how those funds are spent
- Know your state's budgeting formula for spending and taxes
- Learn the questions you should ask to get the information you need to make informed decisions
Session #3: Hot Topics, Part I - Critical Race Theory and Gender Ideology
Wednesday, May 4
- Get briefed on the ideological roots of critical race and gender theory
- Explore the manifestation of these ideas in K-12 classrooms
- Learn actions that school boards can take to protect teachers and students from racial discrimination, increase curriculum transparency, and protect the health and safety of their students
Session #4: Hot Topics, Part II - Parental Rights and Sex Education
Thursday, May 12
- Get briefed on the history of parental rights in schools and get the latest updates on relevant court battles
- Learn how to increase curriculum transparency and look at examples of what's currently being taught in sex education
- Explore policies that empower parents to make decisions about their children's education
Session #5: Proactively Shape the Agenda and Implement Change
Thursday, May 19
- Use your power to get meaningful information from your district
- Know the model of governance that your board is using and the authority it provides you
- Learn techniques for increasing accountability and transparency in school board proceedings
Session #6: Scenario Planning - What Should I Do If...?
Wednesday, May 25
- Learn how to prepare for scenarios that board members often face such as:
- How do I navigate my school board when I hold the minority view?
- How should I handle media inquiries?
- What should I do if I'm personally attacked or censured? What rights do I have?
Any Questions? Email Becky Turco at [email protected]
