Answers: It depends on the week, but in general, between 10-20 hours. Those hours will often be split between different duties, such as community engagements, reading materials/meeting preparation, study sessions, and meetings.

Answers: Yes, but flexibility is the key. The board will do their best to work around work schedules as much as possible, and most required meetings will be 4pm or later. However, know that if you have a traditional 9-5 job there may be times you won’t be able to be there, so it helps to have a supportive boss.

​Answers: There is none required, however, there are a few travel related opportunities throughout the year. One being the Annual WSSDA Conference which is held every year and rotates between Bellevue and Spokane. While not mandatory, this is an important event to attend, especially for anyone new to the role of school board director, as it provides training, professional development, and an opportunity for team building. Other opportunities that could require travel include regional board meetings and travel to our state capitol in Olympia for advocacy, however some of these things may be offered virtually as well throughout the year. 

​Answers: There is no required previous experience. However, its beneficial if school board directors have a basic understanding of Northshore schools and programs as well as an understanding of what it’s like working in teams with long-term goals. It could be also useful to have a background in some aspect relevant to running a district, whether education, finance, program/management, legal, etc. Additionally, having experience in Northshore schools, such as being involved in their local PTA or volunteering in the classroom, is helpful because it allows for a perspective beyond just their own child.

Answers: There are many skills our current school board sees as beneficial to the role, including:

• Willingness to commit to the work and investing the time it takes to do it. 
• A passion for students and public education
• Open mindedness; willing to listen, learn, and take input before drawing conclusions
• Empathy
• Trust that everyone is coming at this from a place of doing what is best for students
• Ability to work well with others
• Effective communicator
• Willingness to learn and get familiar with a wide array of educational concepts, academic research, programs, and financial and budgeting processes
• Able to analyze data; time and patience to process large amounts of data and diverse concepts
• Ability to take criticism with grace and respect

Answers: Here are just a few of the things our current school board find most rewarding:

• Making a positive difference in the lives of children who are our future.
• Getting to serve the amazing students, parents, and staff in the Northshore community!
• Being involved with a team of very smart and caring people - board members and staff.
• Being able to improve the educational experience for students and staff.
• Working with all the great people who invest countless hours into public education in our community, interacting with our brilliant students, and the satisfaction of seeing something improve - no matter how small - and know that I have been able to make a difference in the life of a child that I might never meet.

​Answers: School board directors shared that it’s not always easy to do this work and it can be stressful. it’s not always easy to do this work and it can be stressful. Being in the public spotlight you often have to deal with animosity and personal attacks. Northshore is a large district, and not everyone gets along or agrees with the decisions you will make. The time commitment to properly prepare for meetings can be challenging and it can be hard to balance the duties of school board director, personal life, and other commitments.

​Answers:
“Do it. It will be the most important contribution you can make to the people in your community.”

“It is a bigger time commitment than it appears but completely worth it. Being able to admit that you don't have the answers actually makes you a better board member than believing you have all the solutions.”

“Learn all you can about the role and responsibilities, have a plan to manage the time commitment, and plan your favorite stress management regimen (you might not need it all the time, but there will be a time when you will need it).”

“Standing for election is a very different thing from serving as a Director. This community is amazing and committed to our students and they will recognize and support a candidate who shows that commitment. Focus on the good you hope to do, if only just to serve the community, education and our students. Make it a conversation. Be willing to listen but also willing to turn the topic back to students.”
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“To be aware that the Board is not a legislative body or executive agency that runs the daily activities of the district or makes decision on how things are run. It does not make employment, classroom, or school building administrative decisions. That is the job of the Superintendent, the Board's only employee. The Board is similar to the Board of Directors of a company. It provides oversight, advice, and sets goals, values, and aspirations based upon community and educator input.”

​Answers:  Overall, our current board emphasized how this is the most rewarding work they have ever done. Serving as school board director will expand your understanding of how a complex organization functions and empowers you to be a part of making education better for students and staff. However, it’s important to note that being on the school board can make it harder to be an advocate for your own child or to express concerns about a teacher or other student when you are in the public eye than when you are not on the board.
Most importantly, our school board wants to thank those who are considering running for a school board seat; for taking the time from work and family to serve our community's children.