THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 31, 1996 TAG: 9603300132
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
DATELINE: KEVIN ARMSTRONG LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
I have earned on too many occasions a reputation for taking on more work than I possibly can handle.
Being too willing to help and underestimating the time required to accomplish a task can get me into trouble real fast. I am still learning when and how to pick my spots and say ``no'' to the rest.
I know I'm not alone.
Not living up to expectations can cost you dearly whether it is your family, friends or boss. But when it impacts thousands of lives in a community, including many people whom you don't know, the consequences can be devastating.
I am concerned that too many of the candidates running for seven open seats on the School Board aren't fully aware of what they are tackling.
Three of the original 50 have withdrawn, leaving the field at 47. While I'm not suggesting that any of those three were unqualified, I would like to thank them for recognizing early on that it would be in their best interests - and ours as a community - to withdraw.
My hunch is they won't be the last to drop their bids.
I believe there's more work here than some of the candidates realize.
The state code outlines eight powers and duties of School Board members:
1. Explain and enforce school laws and see that they are enforced.
2. Secure information that schools are conducted in a lawful and efficient manner, possibly - but not limited to - visiting the schools.
3. Manage school properties and erect, furnish and equip necessary buildings.
4. Consolidate or redistrict school boundaries when appropriate to increase efficiency.
5. Determine the length of the school year, studies to be pursued by students, methods of teaching and government of schools.
6. Provide a grievance process for employees.
7. Perform other duties prescribed by the state Board of Education.
8. Hold public hearings before consolidating school districts.
Those are the basics. The state code has plenty more to say about how boards should operate.
Members, then, are required to be well grounded in educational laws and policies, be prepared to travel around town and spend time visiting school sites (about 85 in Virginia Beach), assign construction needs and award contracts, understand various educational philosophies and choose which ones are best for students, know how to handle employees' complaints, and choose between redrawing school boundaries to save money or preserve the concept of neighborhood schools as best they can.
That last one tends to be among the most controversial duties a board member faces - maybe that's why it is mentioned twice among the eight duties.
School Board members also are the final arbiters of student and employee discipline. That role may exact more Solomonic wisdom than any other.
Considering all that, where in the world does such a person find the time? It certainly goes far beyond two lengthy board meetings per month.
Most citizens can't afford such an investment, when it means balancing the demands with their job and family. But citizens unwilling to serve as board members certainly expect it of those willing to serve. Count on it.
To the 47 souls striving to secure a seat, please consider what you're getting into.
We'll consider it an act of courage to step forward now and bow out. After all, it will make all of our jobs easier May 7.
The last thing we want is to elect someone who is willing, maybe even able, to serve but unable to live up to the demands. by CNB