Allie for
Education!
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About the Candidate
Why is Allie running for
the school board?
What are the qualities of a "good" school
board member?

I suppose the answer to that question is very dependent upon the
person asking the question. But, there are a number of qualities
essential in a "good' board member.

First and foremost, there must be a strong desire to serve. In
many respects this role is one of the "voice of the community".
To be that voice, one has to be willing and available to listen to
the many voices within the community.

A "good" board member should have a strong understanding of
the entire educational process from budget setting to what
ultimately needs to go on in the classroom.

A "good" board member must be able to exhibit a high level of
maturity. Board members are put in very tough positions with the
community and the employees of the district on a very regular
basis. Maturity is key to effectively dealing with those situations.

A "good" board member must be available to the community.
The member must be available to listen to the concerns and
issues of residents in the district, and be in a position to respond
to them in a reasonable time frame.

A "good" board member should have established a past record of
involvement in the school district. One of my favorite human
resources professionals is fond of saying when reviewing
candidates for a specific position, "past performance is the best
predictor of future performance". If someone has been involved in
the schools in the past, there is an excellent chance that
individual will be available to the community on a regular basis. If
an individual has not been active in the schools in the past, there
is reason to be concerned with respect to that individual's
availability in the future.

Finally, finances are a real part of operating schools today. An
understanding of the financial realm is a major plus for a school
board member, especially given the reliance on the community
for school funding. A "good" board member should not only
understand how much is available and why, but should also be
an effective communicator of that message in the community.



What are the issues of
prime importance, and
what are Allie's views on
them?
What does it take to be
a "good" board
member?
Link to the Bedford City School District
Web Page
Allie for Education Committee
Laura J. Allie, Treasurer
19007 Laurel Drive
Walton Hills, Ohio 44146