IASB offers resources to help new board members get started

IASB has prepared a number of resources and materials to assist newly elected school board members with their duties and responsibilities to become effective school leaders.

A packet of helpful information is being mailed free of charge to all new board members who are identified by their local school district. The mailings will begin in May as new board members are added to their district rosters in the Association’s membership database.

The welcome packets contains the following materials:

• Welcome from IASB Executive Director Tom Bertrand
• A letter to the family of the new board member
• Chart of state-mandated training requirements
• Membership Guide booklet
• The Basics of Governance booklet
• The Effective School Board Member book
• A special edition of The Illinois School Board Journal for new board members

In addition to the mailing, a number of resources to assist new school board members are available on a dedicated webpage, www.iasb.com/newmember. Helpful materials and new videos will be added to this page periodically to assist first-term board members with their duties.

Included on the webpage is a “Welcome to School Board Service” video that explains the services, training, and other resources the Association provides to help boards of education become effective school leaders supporting quality public education.

Districts that have questions about the new board member resources may call 217/528-9688, ext. 1131.