Frequently Asked Questions
About Your School Board
WHAT DOES A SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER DO?
Get on Board Ohio explains it like this:
What does a school board do?
The broadest definition of a school board’s role is that it acts as the governance team for the school district. It is important that the board is a positive and responsible liaison between the school district and community. School boards adopt policy and oversee the district’s policy manual. The board’s most important role is to employ the superintendent and treasurer and work closely with them to establish and set policy, vision and long-range goals and be accountable for the fiscal health and opportunities provided to the district’s students and families. School board members need to be strong district ambassadors to the community and work to build public support and understanding of public education. Remember, individual board members do not hold authority unless it has been delegated to them. The board’s legal authority is held by the governing body as a whole and is exercised through voting in public meetings.
Board member responsibilities
The role and function of board members often are misinterpreted by the public. The board is a policymaking body and members are the chief advisors to the superintendent on community attitudes. Board members do not manage the day-to-day operations of a school district; they see to it that the system is managed well by professional administrators.
Board members do not evaluate staff, other than the superintendent and treasurer, nor do they typically become involved in employment interviews, other than those of the superintendent, business manager and treasurer. Board members may be consulted during the hiring process for other positions, such as assistant superintendent. View a free webinar on board member responsibilities or visit the OSBA website to learn more about the responsibilities of being a board member.
What makes a good school board member?
The answer to this question can have as many different answers as there are board members. In a broad sense, you must be willing to make a personal commitment. Understand that as a board member you have tremendous influence, but decision-making is done by the entire board and not by any one individual. Be willing to accept that there will be times when your opinions or feelings are not entirely represented in a final decision. It is the collective will of the board that prevails, and the best board members understand that board decisions must serve the best interests of the community and district students. It requires the ability to listen critically and objectively, conduct appropriate research, continue to learn and discuss issues openly with all parties before a decision is made.
Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) has a guide to understanding your school board.
schoolboardschool.org has also compiled some great resources for you to read on this subject.
What does a school board do?
The broadest definition of a school board’s role is that it acts as the governance team for the school district. It is important that the board is a positive and responsible liaison between the school district and community. School boards adopt policy and oversee the district’s policy manual. The board’s most important role is to employ the superintendent and treasurer and work closely with them to establish and set policy, vision and long-range goals and be accountable for the fiscal health and opportunities provided to the district’s students and families. School board members need to be strong district ambassadors to the community and work to build public support and understanding of public education. Remember, individual board members do not hold authority unless it has been delegated to them. The board’s legal authority is held by the governing body as a whole and is exercised through voting in public meetings.
Board member responsibilities
The role and function of board members often are misinterpreted by the public. The board is a policymaking body and members are the chief advisors to the superintendent on community attitudes. Board members do not manage the day-to-day operations of a school district; they see to it that the system is managed well by professional administrators.
Board members do not evaluate staff, other than the superintendent and treasurer, nor do they typically become involved in employment interviews, other than those of the superintendent, business manager and treasurer. Board members may be consulted during the hiring process for other positions, such as assistant superintendent. View a free webinar on board member responsibilities or visit the OSBA website to learn more about the responsibilities of being a board member.
What makes a good school board member?
The answer to this question can have as many different answers as there are board members. In a broad sense, you must be willing to make a personal commitment. Understand that as a board member you have tremendous influence, but decision-making is done by the entire board and not by any one individual. Be willing to accept that there will be times when your opinions or feelings are not entirely represented in a final decision. It is the collective will of the board that prevails, and the best board members understand that board decisions must serve the best interests of the community and district students. It requires the ability to listen critically and objectively, conduct appropriate research, continue to learn and discuss issues openly with all parties before a decision is made.
Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) has a guide to understanding your school board.
schoolboardschool.org has also compiled some great resources for you to read on this subject.
IS THERE A CODE OF ETHICS FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD?
Any school district belonging to the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) adheres to their code of ethics. The OSBA code of ethics is as follows:
While serving as a member of my board of education, I will accept the responsibility to improve education. To that end I will:
Adopted by the OSBA Delegate Assembly November 11, 1991
The state of Ohio also has ethics laws and provides The Ethics Toolkit for Public School Districts.
While serving as a member of my board of education, I will accept the responsibility to improve education. To that end I will:
- Remember that my first and greatest concern must be the educational welfare of all students attending the public schools;
- Obey the laws of Ohio and the United States;
- Respect the confidentiality of privileged information;
- Recognize that as an individual board member I have no authority to speak or act for the board;
- Work with other members to establish effective board policies;
- Delegate authority for the administration of the schools to the superintendent and staff;
- Encourage ongoing communications among board members, the board, students, staff, and the community;
- Render all decisions based on the available facts and my independent judgment rather than succumbing to the influence of individuals or special interest groups;
- Make every effort to attend all board meetings;
- Become informed concerning the issues to be considered at each meeting;
- Improve my boardmanship by studying educational issues and by participating in in-service programs;
- Support the employment of staff members based on qualifications and not as a result of influence;
- Cooperate with other board members and administrators to establish a system of regular and impartial evaluations of all staff;
- Avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance thereof;
- Refrain from using my board position for benefit of myself, family members or business associates;
- Express my personal opinions but, once the board has acted, accept the will of the majority.
Adopted by the OSBA Delegate Assembly November 11, 1991
The state of Ohio also has ethics laws and provides The Ethics Toolkit for Public School Districts.
WHEN IS THE NEXT FOREST HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING?
The regularly scheduled monthly meetings are posted on our Event Calendar page. Notice of any changes to these meetings or addition of special meetings must be posted by the district 48 hours before the start of the meeting. Many times, notice isn't given until EXACTLY 48 hours prior. We will try to update our event page after receiving notification from the district.
What is the school board oath of office?
Before beginning his or her duties, a member shall take the oath of office, which may be administered by the treasurer, any member of the board, member of the General Assembly, judge of a court or any notary public (Revised Code Section 3313.10, 147.07, 3.24).
Following is suggested oath, but other oaths may be used:
Do you solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Ohio; and that you will faithfully and impartially discharge your duties as members of the board of education of the _______________________ school district, _______________ County, Ohio, to the best of your ability, and in accordance with the laws now in effect and hereafter to be enacted, during your continuance in said office, and until your successor is elected and qualified?
The answer is : "I do."
_____________________________________ Member's Signature
Following is suggested oath, but other oaths may be used:
Do you solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Ohio; and that you will faithfully and impartially discharge your duties as members of the board of education of the _______________________ school district, _______________ County, Ohio, to the best of your ability, and in accordance with the laws now in effect and hereafter to be enacted, during your continuance in said office, and until your successor is elected and qualified?
The answer is : "I do."
_____________________________________ Member's Signature
How is the school board held accountable for their actions?
The short answer is that if they haven't violated any state or federal laws, then their ultimate accountability is at the ballot box. And we all know you can't spell ADVOCATE without VOTE! If there is a very specific complaint with mounds of evidence, they can be removed through the Hamilton County Courts as outlined here
The long answer is provided by the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA). The OSBA outlines accountability on their website and even provides this helpful video about the basics of accountability.
The long answer is provided by the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA). The OSBA outlines accountability on their website and even provides this helpful video about the basics of accountability.
Who is Advocate FHSD and What Can I Do?
WHAT IMMEDIATE ACTIONS CAN I TAKE?
The most important thing we can do as a community is to show up. And showing up means something different for everyone. Some are comfortable attending meetings, our PTO's and PTA's need members and are a great way to stay connected with all the goings-on in our schools. For some people, writing a letter or email to the board is a big first step. All we can say is, it helps. Whatever step you take, it helps.
- Email [email protected] - your engagement matters
- Ask that the board form a committee as the rules require to explore consolidation, so when they are presented information regarding public business, it's done publicly so community members may stay informed
- Attend a school board meeting at Mercer Elementary or watch on Facebook Live on the Advocate FHSD page, brought to you by our stream team, or on YouTube on the FHSD channel
- Sign up to speak at the regular meeting. Prepare a 1 and up to 3 minute speech to share with the board. Rules for speakers located HERE
- Talk to your friends and neighbors. An informed community is our biggest asset, and personal connections are always the most successful way to engage others.
- You can find other ways to get involved through organizations like 9United and Forest Hills Foundation for Education.
- Help us accomplish our mission: Donate to the Advocate FHSD PAC today!
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE DURING THE PUBLIC COMMENTARY PORTION OF A BOARD MEETING?
According to the district website: Residents are welcome to address the Board of Education with comments, questions, suggestions or concerns during the public commentary section at the beginning of each regularly scheduled monthly meeting. To do so, individuals should complete the public participation sheet (available at the entrance to the meeting room) and give to the administrative assistants at the front of the room. When participants address the Board, they will be invited to the podium and will be asked to state their name and address. Comments will be limited to three minutes. If several people wish to speak on the same topic, the time limit may be adjusted at the president’s discretion. To comply with privacy laws, comments regarding specific personnel matters are not permitted during meetings held in public.
Occasionally, the Board may ask questions for clarification or respond immediately to questions and comments. However, on most occasions, the Board will instruct the superintendent or treasurer to gather more information and report back. Please understand, if a question or comment is not addressed during the meeting, this does not indicate a lack of interest on behalf of the Board, but a desire to gather as much information as possible to respond in the most helpful manner. Those who wish to share comments or concerns with the Board of Education, but do not wish to speak at a meeting, can email Board members or call 513-231-3600.
Occasionally, the Board may ask questions for clarification or respond immediately to questions and comments. However, on most occasions, the Board will instruct the superintendent or treasurer to gather more information and report back. Please understand, if a question or comment is not addressed during the meeting, this does not indicate a lack of interest on behalf of the Board, but a desire to gather as much information as possible to respond in the most helpful manner. Those who wish to share comments or concerns with the Board of Education, but do not wish to speak at a meeting, can email Board members or call 513-231-3600.
Who leads Advocate Fhsd and corresponding website, newsletter and social media?
Lear about the leadership of Advocate FHSD here.
Diversity in FHSD
What was the "Culture of Kindness" resolution?
The "Resolution to Create a Culture of Kindness and Equal Opportunity for All Students and Staff" was adopted at the Jun 22, 2022 - Board of Education Regular Meeting. The name has been considered by many to be an attempt at gaslighting the public. When Sara Jonas, the "author" of the resolution was asked about it during board discussion, she mentioned the main goal of the resolution was to end any anti-racist teaching and guidance by the school. CRT was also mentioned, although it has been proven that no CRT is or ever was being taught in FHSD's K-12 programs. There are also many Federal and State laws that render this resolution redundant, unenforceable, and harmful. A judge ordered a pause on the enforcement of the resolution until litigation concluded. The deposition of board member Jonas revealed that the idea came from an overly political community member and Jonas merely "typed" it. In December 2023, the Forest Hills School District settled the lawsuit. As part of the settlement, the resolution had to be repealed. See the full text of the resolution here.
Where can I get a "Protect Diversity in FHSD" Yard sign?
Current batch of yard signs can be ordered by filling out an ONLINE FORM and donating $6 for the cost of the sign. This is available while supplies last. We will keep you updated here.
What is the board's responsibility towards diversity in the district?
All educators and DISTRICT LEADERS assume responsibility for ALL students regardless of the advantages or disadvantages they bring to school. In order to do this, they must be aware of those advantages and disadvantages and take action to provide access to a learning environment that allows ALL students to reach their full potential.
