Definition

Noun: A school board is an elected or appointed group of officials responsible for overseeing and governing a local public school district. This body sets educational policies, approves budgets, hires and evaluates the superintendent, and represents the community's interests in public education.

Usage

The term school board functions as a singular noun, though it refers to a collective group. It is typically used with a singular verb when referring to the board as a single entity. - The school board meets on the first Tuesday of each month. - A new school board member was sworn in today.

Examples

• The school board approved the new curriculum for elementary schools.
• Parents addressed their concerns about school safety at the school board meeting.
• She decided to run for a position on the school board.
• The decision ultimately rests with the school board.

Advanced Usage

• "school board election": An election held to choose members of the school board.
  • Voter turnout is often low in school board elections.
• "school board trustee" or "school board member": An individual who serves on the school board.
  • As a school board trustee, her focus is on special education programs.

Variants and Related Words

• Board of education: A formal synonym, often used in official names (e.g., "New York City Board of Education").
• School district: The geographical area and administrative unit overseen by a school board.
• Superintendent: The chief executive officer hired by the school board to manage the district's day-to-day operations.

Synonyms

• Board of education
• Education committee (though this can be a more general term)

Related Phrases

• To be on the school board: To serve as a member.
  • He has been on the school board for six years.
• School board policy: The official rules and guidelines established by the board.
  • That decision violates school board policy.

Noun

1. a board in charge of local public schools