KSBA ‘alumni’ can stay connected
Kentucky School Advocate
November 2022
By Josh Shoulta
KSBA Director of Communications
Eventually, school board service ends, either because a board member chooses not to seek another term, or because the decision is made for them at the ballot box. That does not mean the individual will no longer take an active interest in the success of his or her local schools. Ask any school board member – past or present – and he or she will tell you that public education advocacy is a lifelong commitment! KSBA offers outgoing school board members opportunities to stay connected with the association long after they leave the board room.
My board service ends in December. What does that mean for my involvement in KSBA?
Your active membership in KSBA will sunset along with your term on your local school board. Fortunately, there are several ways you can continue to receive KSBA updates and education news. Come January, you can consider yourself a proud alumnus of the association.
How can I make sure I will receive updates and public education resources after my board service ends?
Before your term wraps, let KSBA know that you wish to stay engaged with us. KSBA will be sending an email survey to all members in the weeks ahead, asking those who will be rolling off their boards to provide us with updated contact information and to formally “opt in” to receiving KSBA communications.
Most board members receive KSBA updates through their district-issued email addresses. Those addresses will be deactivated upon completion of your term, so it will be important for KSBA to collect your preferred email address, phone number and mailing address.
What can former members expect to receive?
Outgoing school board members can choose to receive many of our popular publications. This includes our KSBA Aware e-newsletter (typically sent two times per month), the monthly Kentucky School Advocate magazine and email updates during legislative sessions. We will also provide annual updates on the state of the association and the KSBA Educational Foundation.
Are there any other ways I can stay engaged with KSBA?
Do you follow KSBA on Twitter (@ksbanews) and Facebook (Facebook.com/ksbanews)? Both offer important news, updates, videos and resources for anyone with a heart for advancing public education on behalf of Kentucky students. Perhaps you avoided social media while in office? Here’s your chance to plug back in!
What are some things I can do to support the work of school boards after my tenure is over?
• Reach out to your legislators. Stay tuned to local education news (and of course KSBA) for the latest developments in Frankfort, and be prepared to call, email, write or meet with lawmakers about bills that will potentially impact your local schools. Continue to advocate for pro-public education legislation that will strengthen local decision making and ensure adequate education funding.
• Attend board meetings. Your firsthand knowledge of district governance is an asset, even if you are now sitting on the other side of the table. Be that engaged citizen you always liked to see by attending board meetings and encouraging others to do the same. Set the example of civility while you’re at it.
• Pass the torch. Think about what (and who) inspired you to run for your school board. In your community, there are folks with the time, talent and passion to serve on the board. If you are not planning to run again, find someone who may just need a little nudge in the right direction. Stand ready to mentor friends and neighbors who may be considering board service. Explain to them the pros and cons. Help them understand duties of the job. And encourage them along the way!