Former board member offers tips for building a successful school board

Dear Editor,

As we approach the November elections, I, as a citizen of this community, feel it extremely important that each of us remember a few items as we decide whether or not to vote and who to vote for.

#1 Please choose to vote! I have great hopes that each of us will take our civic responsibility seriously. To choose to vote is a privilege that is meaningful and definitely needed in this election. Whatever your convictions or wherever your loyalties lie, voting needs to show the voice of the people. Make it a priority!

#2 Choose candidates who are uplifting! With both negative and positive influences in the world, I am concerned about this election. As a former MUSD school board member and mother of six, I want to share some qualities that are necessary for building a successful school board.

Here are some qualities that the Arizona School Board Association has used in the past: (The italicized wording I have added)

A School Board Member needs:
• A belief in the importance of public education for our democracy
• A desire for all children to achieve (their highest potential)
• A willingness to continue to learn how to best serve the children in your district (learn from parents, staff, community and children)
• A willingness to work as a member of a team
• Backbone to make the right decision for the children in your district (even if it is unpopular)
• To be an Ambassador for your district and public education at all times.
• A good listener, able to understand (may I add a willingness to listen to) other viewpoints
• An ability to analyze information, draw conclusions and take a position.

For the children’s sake, I believe it needs to be said that we must choose candidates who will be the best and do the best for children.

I believe we need to look at personal behavior of the adults. Children need to see positive role models everywhere, not just in the classroom. This includes board members in meetings and out in the community. We need to choose candidates that recognize that the district needs improvement (like most everyone does) and will approach needed changes in a positive manner which will “Lift Children With Love” instead of being destructive and disruptive to the education system. Yes, what we do as adults affects the children. Choose your candidates wisely!

#3 Vote wisely! Whether your vote is presidential, for school board or a proposition, if you know the candidates personally or have just read about them, it is my belief that God knows who and what will be best for the children. Do your best to learn all you can about the candidates as well as the issues, and then if you believe in God, as I do, ask Him.

I believe that Maricopa Unified School District can be one of the best in the state in every way. If we are to get there, change needs to be made, and the negativity of the past cannot continue in the future. May God bless this election time and each of us as we participate in this sacred civic duty!

Sincerely,
Margaret Noble Jackson

File photo

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