NOTE: MARGINS DIFFER FROM PREVIOUS COLUMNS SUBMITTED. “Looking to change the future? You can start Dec. 7-9!” By Sandy Garrett, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Wednesday, November 25, 2009 WANTED: A few good men and women to make difficult decisions that can improve the education of Oklahoma’s children and the future of your local economy POSITION: Local School Board Member COMPENSATION: Personal satisfaction and a role in building a stronger community DUTIES: Successful applicants will: * work on behalf of the children, parents and taxpayers in your school’s community; * make decisions with concern for the values and priorities of your community; * set standards for safety and student achievement in your school; * be accountable to students, parents, and other community stakeholders for the performance of schools in your district; and, * serve as your community’s education watchdog, making certain that taxpayers get the most from each dollar spent per student. QUALIFICATIONS: Successful candidates must: * be a registered voter, residing within the school board district boundaries for at least six (6) months prior to filing for office; * have received a high school diploma or certificate of high school equivalency (GED); * not be related within the second degree of blood or marriage to a current school employee or a current member of your school’s board; and, * have not been convicted of, or pled guilty to, a felony under state or federal law or a misdemeanor involving embezzlement. TRAINING: Within 15 months of election, new school board members must complete 12 hours of instruction on education issues, including school finance, Oklahoma education laws and ethics, duties and responsibilities of district board of education members, provided by the State Department of Education. To be eligible for reelection, incumbent board members must have completed additional continuing education requirements prior to filing for reelection to the same board seat. HOW TO APPLY: Qualified applicants must file a declaration of candidacy at their County Election Board during regular business hours, beginning Monday, December 7, through Wednesday, December 9, 2009. Elections will be held Tuesday, February 9, 2010. SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: Oklahoma public schools are the heart of our communities. They provide a rallying point for community pride in our children’s successes, both academically and athletically, and can be a catalyst for change in response to needs. School boards are also a cornerstone in the economic foundation of local communities—important elements in attracting new businesses and maintaining quality jobs. Today, local school board members are being called upon to make critical funding decisions that could determine the future of your schools and the economic viability of your community. Much more on the critical role of local school board members is available from the National School Boards Association, online at . Details related to qualifications are available online at the State Department of Education Web site () or by calling (405) 521-4527. Please consider serving your community and your state. Oklahoma needs you! Read to a child – the benefits last a lifetime! www.sde.state.ok.us EDITORS: For more information, contact Shelly Hickman, State Department of Education, (405) 521-3371. NOTE: MARGINS IN THIS COLUMN ARE DIFFERENT FROM PREVIOUS COLUMNS SUBMITTED.