School Boards 101
What they decide, why your rent and your kid’s classroom both tie back to them
Alternative 1
School boards are the governing bodies of public school systems. They hire and fire superintendents, approve budgets, choose curriculum frameworks, set discipline policies, and decide which schools expand, merge, or close. These decisions shape class sizes, teacher turnover, campus conditions, academic offerings, and the overall health of the district.
Because schools are funded by a mix of state allocations and local property taxes, board decisions directly influence neighborhood stability and housing costs. A board that underfunds maintenance creates long-term facility problems that drive families away. A board that shifts boundaries or closes campuses can raise or lower home values. A board that mismanages labor negotiations can push teachers out of the profession.
People often underestimate how much authority school boards hold. They control one of the largest budgets in most cities and operate systems that shape children’s daily lives and the economic health of entire neighborhoods.
Alternative 2
School boards govern public school districts. They hire and fire superintendents, approve budgets, negotiate labor contracts, set discipline rules, choose curriculum frameworks, and decide which campuses expand, merge, or close. Their decisions shape class sizes, facility conditions, teacher retention, and long-term student outcomes.
Because school funding depends on state formulas and local property taxes, boards influence neighborhood stability and even housing prices. A board that underfunds maintenance allows buildings to decay, pushing families out. A board that mishandles staffing drives teacher shortages. A board that redraws boundaries affects commute times, enrollment patterns, and equity.
School boards control one of the largest local budgets and make decisions that ripple into community health, home values, and labor markets.