The Power of Presence: Parent Leaders and Board Membership
Parents are the heart of our communities, and they're also powerful forces for change within our schools. Yet, too often, their potential to lead on school boards is overlooked. In this blog series, we'll share the inspiring stories of parents who have stepped up to serve their communities. From overcoming challenges to achieving remarkable results, these parent leaders are proof that a fresh perspective can transform our schools. Read more from these four parent leaders.
Jacob Schwartz
Board Member, Crossroads Charter Schools
What do you think are the benefits of parent leaders on school boards?
“Board members seem to commonly struggle with engagement / knowing the school well. Many don’t have school-aged kids. Parent leaders who have kids at the same school are deeply relevant already. Parent leaders who have kids at another school have opportunities to share knowledge and perspective across schools. And we can network with other parent leaders on boards, to build partnerships in a fragmented educational landscape.”
What's your advice for other parent leaders who want to run for or join a school board?
“If you have the time and energy for an election campaign then great! If not, charter boards can be a lot less effort to join.”
What contributions have you made to the school board?
“Mostly in governance. I’ve facilitated deeper ongoing discussions among board members by establishing a recurring training/committee space. And I’ve led the selection of new board members through BLAQUE KC’s draft. And yes, adding a parent’s perspective to discussions. I’ve also been a strong ringleader in showing board support to teachers.”
Angela DeWilde
Board Member, Citizens of the World Charter School
What do you think are the benefits of parent leaders on school boards?
I believe having parent perspective at the board level is essential! Parents and families are the consumers of public education and so our feedback and input can help the school leadership stay true to the mission and goals of the school.
What do other parents need to know about school boards?
“An effective parent board member will be able to identify which issues are affecting the whole school body and will avoid letting their personal experience dictate the board agenda. For example, if your child has a particularly hard day with their teacher and you have a board meeting that night, you would need to be able to momentarily put aside what has happened in your child’s classroom and focus on what is happening big picture with the school. This is sometimes hard to do as great parent board members are typically also great advocates for their child - but if you are able to balance this well, you’d make a good board member!”
Rachel Russell
Board Vice President, Kansas City Kansas Public Schools
What do you think are the benefits of parent leaders on school boards?
“Parent Leaders on the school board means that those closest to the issue are at the decision making table and a key piece of student success. Parent Leaders are able to both understand and share current/past experiences of interacting with the school system and how things can be better but also the positive that are happening too.”
What contributions have you made to the school board?
“My contributions since joining the school board include updating our district dress code policy, implementing a DEI and family engagement policy, purchasing school vans for student transportation, implementing the World Café Model to hear from the voices in our community as well as implementing a Student Café to hear the voices of our students, advocated for a two-year contract for our certified teaching staff, and advocating/supporting the continued growth of our dual language program.”
What's your advice for other parent leaders who want to run for or join a school board?
“Do it! You will be blown away by the community support and the experience. And reach out if you need help. Never underestimate the power of an ask.”
Tiffany Price
Board Member, Brookside Charter School
What do other parents need to know about school boards?
We are people just like they are. The board meetings are open and anyone can attend.
What do you think are the benefits of parent leaders on school boards?
Being able to see things from different perspectives as to what’s going on in the schools as a parent board member. All children are included from the parent's side because all decisions affect our lives to an extent. Yes, we have board members who are parents, and their kids are adults or in other districts so it's not the same but we all have a passion and heart for the children.
What contributions have you made to the school board?
“I 100% support a change to a tier system for teachers' pay and more development time. I am on the Governance Committee and Expansion Team which has been a great experience witnessing our growth. I will always contribute as the parent's voice, community member, and board member's perspective equitably.”
