Board Member Responsibilities

In Illinois, public education is the state's constitutional responsibility. The state delegates to local school boards the authority to govern school districts within the parameters set by state law. Boards are made up of seven school district residents elected at-large to serve terms of four years without pay. So, although the Board is politically responsible to District voters, it is legally responsible to the state.

What are the Board of Education duties?

• Deciding what shall be taught in the schools;
• Hiring necessary personnel based on the Superintendent’s recommendation;
• Providing and maintaining school buildings;
• Letting all contracts and paying bills; and
• Arranging for revenue necessary to operate the District.

What is the Board of Education's role?

• Adopt goals and policies that meet state requirements and reflect community needs;
• Provide the resources necessary to pursue its goals according to its policies; and
• Monitor District performance to see that results are consistent with goals and policies.