Accountability

By law, Arkansas school boards are accountable for the district’s academic performance, financial stability and facilities condition. A district may be classified in academic, fiscal or facilities distress if certain benchmarks are not met. This can result in serious consequences, including state takeover of the district. It is the board's responsibility to ask the right questions in order to make appropriate decisions to ensure student success and to prevent financial or facilities problems.

Board development enables individual board members to fulfill their elected roles and to support a thriving academic climate within their communities. ASBA training prepares board members to address the wide range of concerns that affect education in Arkansas.

The Handbook for Arkansas School Board Members published by ASBA is a useful guide that covers a variety of topics:

• Legal aspects of board service
• Duties and responsibilities of school boards
• Compliance with laws and regulations
• Seeking and selecting a superintendent
• Instructional program
• Quality personnel
• Budgeting, purchasing and accounting
• District facilities
• Accountability, monitoring and evaluation
• School board policy
• Effective working relationships
• School board meetings
• Orientation, training and recognition of board members
• Legislation and advocacy

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