GO Hosts Speaker Series: The Roles and Responsibilities of the Oakland School Board
July 22, 2010
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Last night, nearly 100 Oakland education advocates gathered for GO's Elections Season Kick-Off, co-hosted by the League of Women Voters of Oakland. In attendance were educators, parents, school/district staff, Board members, community members, and education advocates from across the City. After guests had a brief opportunity to network with one another around their interest in and support for public education in Oakland, the GO Public Schools team welcomed the group and provided
updates on important organizational developments and current issue campaigns.
Chris Maricle, from the California School Boards Association, delivered the keynote address on the
Roles and Responsibilities of the Oakland School Board. Mr. Maricle discussed the basics of school governance structures, the ways in which school boards exercise their leadership, and the role of the public in electing and influencing the school board's priorities and activities. He shared that the Board has five key responsibilities - to provide direction, structure, support, accountability, and community advocacy and support to ensure a high functioning, high quality public school district. He also spoke of the attributes of effective board members: preparation, focus, mindfulness, and manner. While we elect individuals to the board, and individual board members have influence over their colleagues, the board makes decisions as a unified body. Where does the public fit into all of this? The community's role includes participating in the election process, attending meetings, and offering to help.

After the presentation, participants broke into small groups to discuss their reactions and begin brainstorming next steps. Notes from these sessions will be posted soon!
Participants left the event inspired to engage more meaningfully with school board members and make informed choices when voting for school board candidates this November. Great Oakland Public Schools is excited about the momentum coming out of the event, and is committed to being a source for relevant, quality information about the 2010 November elections! GO Public Schools is YOUR 2010 election connection!
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