DISTRICT PHILOSOPHY

The Taconic Hills Central School District’s Board of Education has established that it is the mission of the District “To be a center of learning for students and community alike, by using 21st century tools and providing opportunities to motivate, engage, and encourage individuals to rise to their full potential as contributing members of society.”

DISTRICT OVERVIEW

The school district has approximately 1,040 students enrolled in two different schools, which include a PreK – 6 Elementary, and a 7 – 12 Junior/Senior High School. Our School district provides a public school education and a common link for the ten towns that comprise the nearly 250 square miles that comprise our district.

Frequently asked Questions about running for school board:

Q: What are the requirements for Board candidates?
A: A candidate for the Board of Education must be:

• Must be able to read and write.

• Must be a qualified voter of the district; that is, a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years of age or older, and not adjudged to be incompetent.

• Must be and have been a resident of the district for a continuous and uninterrupted period of at least one year immediately preceding the election.

• May not have been removed from any school district office within the preceding year.

• May not reside with another member of the same school board as a member of the same family.

• May not be a current employee of the school district.

• May not simultaneously hold another incompatible public office.

Q: What qualities make a good school board member?
A: The New York State School Board Association (NYSSBA) defines the qualities of a good board member as an:

• Effective Communicator

• Consensus Builder

• Community Participant

• Decision Maker

• Information Processor

• Leader

• Team Player

 IMPORTANT DATES FOR SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

(Terms beginning July 1, 2023)

April 17, 2023 Deadline for filing Board nominations. Due to District Clerk by 4 p.m. Board candidate campaign statements due. April 17, 2023 Board candidate campaign statements due. May 16, 2023 Election Day for Board Candidates *Campaign expenditure statements must be filed with the Office of the District Clerk and the NYS Commissioner of Education if the expenditures are over $500. If the expenses are under $500, the campaign expenditure statement need only be filed with the District Clerk

Q: Are there any reporting requirements for candidates?
A: New York State Education Law requires that Board candidates file three campaign expenditure statements. If the campaign expenditures are over $500 the statement must be filed with the District Clerk and the NYS Commissioner of Education. If the expenses are under $500 the campaign expenditure statement need only be filed with the District Clerk. A preliminary campaign expenditure statement must be filed at least thirty days before the election, a second statement must be filed on or before the fifth day preceding the election and a final statement must be filed within twenty days after the election.

Q: What do I need to do as a School Board Member?
A: The major responsibilities of a Board member include:

• Setting the District’s direction by creating annual goals and developing strategies to achieve those goals. Board members have an annual goal setting meeting in July

• Aligning strategies, resources, policies, programs, and processes with district goals

• Using comprehensive data, thorough deliberation, and open communication to assess the progress toward achieving the district goals

• Striving to improve by accentuating the positive, and correcting the negative

For additional information about the responsibilities of a Board member visit the NYSSBA website.

Q: What guidelines does the Board of Education follow?
A: Board of Education establishes policies which are the guidelines that provide guidance and direction to school employees regarding many matters ranging from students to finance. There are two basic types of policies — those required by law and others developed as local policies of the Board of Education.

The policies of the Board of Education are reviewed periodically and some policies are required by New York State law to be reviewed annually. The Board of Education typically creates a Board member policy review committee that meets outside of regular Board meetings to review and develop recommended modifications to existing policies or the creation of new policies.

Q: What are the functions of the Board of Education?
A: The primary functions of school Board members include:

• Request regular reports on student progress and needs, based on a variety of assessments to evaluate the quality and equity of education in the district, including instruction, services, and facilities

• Monitor and evaluate the Superintendent’s performance

• Monitor and evaluate the Board’s performance

• Monitor and evaluate progress toward the achievement of district long- and short-term goals and ensure that board policies and resources effectively support the district vision

• Provide appropriate staff and board training opportunities

• Fulfill governance responsibilities that are required by state and federal law

Q: When are Board Meetings?
A: Board Meetings are usually the third Wednesdays of each month except as scheduled by the Board. There are workshops scheduled occasionally throughout the year. A meeting schedule is set forth by the Board at their organizational meeting in July.

Q: What does a Board member have to do to prepare for Board meetings?
A: Board members receive a “Board packet” before each Board meeting. The Board packet includes the agenda for the meeting and any attachments associated with each planned Board action. It is important to preview the materials in preparation for each meeting.

Q: What is the role of the Superintendent of Schools?
A: The Board of Education is the legislative body that sets the policies and goals of the district. The Superintendent is chosen by the Board to see to the day to day management of the school district. The Superintendent is the Chief Executive Officer and works closely with the Board in implementing and supporting Board policy and goals.

Q: Are there any trainings that are required of Board members?
A: All newly elected Board members are required to participate in two six-hour training workshops:  Fiscal Responsibility and Board Member Governance.

Q: How long does an elected Board member serve?
A: A term of office for a Board member is five years beginning July 1 and ending June 30. Board members run at-large, meaning Board members represent the entire District, not a specific geographic location. The candidates that receive the highest votes earn the open seats available during each election cycle.

Q: What are some of the other duties of a Board member?
A: Board of Education members are expected to participate in one or more subcommittees of the board which meet periodically throughout the year. If possible, Board members are encouraged to attend PTO meetings and school activities and events.

Q: Is the Taconic Hills Board of Education associated with any local or state organizations?
A: The Taconic Hills School Board is a member of the New York State School Board Association (NYSSBA). Through NYSBBA Board members take two mandatory six hour trainings on fiscal oversight and board governance and other periodic workshops as needed.  Board members also attend NYSSBA’s annual state conference.