School board members act as ambassadors and advocates for district interests and are tasked with making strategic decisions.
Boardsmanship requires a significant time commitment, not only in terms of meetings and related events but in preparation, as well as listening to stakeholders. Basic expectations and time commitments include:
- Board Meetings: Board meetings are typically held twice a month, on the second and fourth Wednesday beginning at 6 p.m. Board members receive a detailed packet in advance of the meeting with the expectation that they review it prior to the meeting and come prepared to discuss and act on meeting agenda items. Additionally, members are expected to be informed about educational issues in general and participate when the Board exercises its duties.
- Special Meetings and Executive Sessions: Special Meetings and Executive Sessions take place periodically and allow the Board to address timely and/or confidential matters. Executive sessions are typically held in conjunction with regular scheduled meetings.
- Committee Meetings: Board members are elected to lead and/or serve on various Board Committees. Most committee meetings are held monthly and require additional time commitments - both in attendance and preparation. To learn more about each committee and its current meeting schedule visit oshkosh.k12.wi.us/board/board-committees.
- District Engagement and Event Attendance: Board members are expected to attend school and/or district-sponsored events and activities to show support for our students, staff, and school communities.
Although it varies widely based on areas of responsibility, schedules, and availability, school board members may put in 10-30 hours a week related to meeting preparations and school and community engagement.
(LEARN MORE: Specific duties of a school board can be found in 120.12 of Wisconsin State Statutes.)
In addition to attending and being prepared for meetings, board members are often contacted by stakeholders and are expected to listen and respond as appropriate. Board Members’ phone and email addresses are made public so that stakeholders can reach out to them with questions and/or concerns.
