Board Candidates
When deciding on board members, schools are typically looking for people who can reach out to district voters and articulate a higher-level vision for the school to aid them in achieving their goals. They are also looking for people who have relevant experience in fields such as business, law as well as insurance/managed healthcare, education and medicine, finance/banking, marketing, real estate and information technology.
Candidates for the board may be appointed by a committee of nomination or by the floor during open nominations. The nomination committee should examine candidates to determine if they are a good to be on the board and if they possess the necessary qualifications and skills. The committee should also take into account diversity and the candidate’s commitment to the cause of the organization.
The nomination process should include a discussion of the expectations for board members, including their financial contribution and participation in fundraising. professional advice regarding the school’s governance. This should be documented in a formal letter of agreement that new board members are asked to sign.
During an election, is important to allow for write-ins to candidates who were not nominated. This ensures an precise representation of the voters’ preferences and avoids the Ballot Order Effect, where voters tend to support candidates closer to the top of the list. It is also beneficial to include an “Abstain from voting” option to deter voters from voting for candidates who don’t align with the school’s ideals.