I Want My $30 Back

Owing to career changes, board member Mark Mason submitted his resignation effective July 28. The process for replacing a board member is dictated by law. The board may not appoint a new member during the ten day period immediately following the resignation date. The replacement must be made during the next 20 day period or by the next regularly scheduled board meeting, whichever comes first. Failing to act, the appointment decision falls to the judge of the Probate Court.

Letters of interest and resumes are being accepted at the board office until August 8. Upon review of those resumes, a special board meeting will be called to interview the applicants individually. The board will then move to seat the new member at the August 18 meeting.

There is considerable information about board member responsibility and duties on the OSBA web site. Interested parties would do well to review it prior to submitting a letter of interest.

The first thing a board member must realize is that he/she has absolutely no power or authority except while in session at a board meeting. There are five members and any one member represents only 20% of the total board. It takes three members voting to make any decision effective.

In general, board members are elected to represent the public's interest and to be a sounding board in touch with community needs and interests. They are not in a position to affect the daily operations of the schools except by approving or disapproving board policy. They do, however, have both authority and responsibility for the funds of the district and are charged with keeping the schools solvent through proper budget management.

Mr. Mason's service to the district which covered one four year term and a second term which has one and one half years remaining saw many positive changes and many difficult decisions which have helped bring us to the present exciting moment in time. Schools are judged in part by the number of criteria measured by the state. There are 30 such criteria and Marietta City Schools has achieved a passing mark in 26 of those areas. That's not just good news it's absolutely great news of which we should all be proud.

Mr. Mason's successor will be asked about intention to run for a full term upon completing his unexpired term December 31, 2009. That intent is important as continuity helps keep focus on the challenges at hand and assure a cohesive team effort.

The cost to file a petition to run for the school board is $30 and is the source of some internal humor among the present members. When times get difficult and the job demands more time and energy than anticipated it is not uncommon for one member to say to another, "I want my $30 back."

The big picture of the job of board member is simple. The goal is to make decisions and set policy that is in the best interests of the total district – and all students. Achieving that is sometimes not as simple as it would seem.

When individuals approach a board member about a school issue, the process is also fairly simple. We ask if they have followed the system by addressing the question first to a teacher or coach, next to a principal, then to the superintendent. Most issues are resolved by following this chain of responsibility.

It is absolutely in everyone's best interest that a board member not have a personal agenda or mission but rather have the best operation and future of the district as the only objective.

Mr. Mason's background as teacher and the son of a teacher and principal brought a unique perspective to his position. His commitment to the district was unwavering. He will be missed.