New School Board Member Handbook
Drawing on the deep well of knowledge and expertise of the WASB, the New School Board Member Handbook provides information about the basics of school board service and answers questions commonly asked by new board members.
We hope you find the handbook a helpful reference as you begin your school board service. The online version (pdf and html) includes dozens of embedded links to the referenced statutes, WASB resources and other guidance. Some WASB resources may be password protected for members only. Contact us if you are a member and need assistance logging in.
Hard copies may be requested by sending an email to info@wasb.org.
Are you onboarding a new member? Listen to the WASB April 2020 podcast for tips.
New Board Member Handbook (Download this file to print or search the handbook.)
Supplementary Resources
- Get started on the WASB website with the Basic Resources page. It’s a compilation of basic legal, policy, fiscal and governance resources.
- Watch this 2021 webinar new school board members to get introduced to the basics:
♦ Legal Roles & Responsibilities webinar recording and presentation - Top ten most commonly asked questions by new members.
The WASB New School Board Member Handbook is designed to provide general information and commentary as a service to WASB members based on current law and agency guidance as it existed at the time of publication. It should not be relied upon as legal advice. If legal advice is needed, the services of the school district’s designated legal counsel should be obtained.
© Copyright 2023. Portions excerpted with permission from the New York State School Boards Association publication, “New School Board Member Handbook.”
