Presented by The Education Policy and Leadership Center and Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Indiana County
Critical to quality public education and the quality of community life
is election of persons committed to the policymaking and general oversight work
of district school boards.
PART I - Legal and Leadership Roles of School
Directors and School Boards
Board Authority and Responsibility
Policymaking and Judicial Functions of the Board
Communication and Advocacy Roles of the Board
Working with the Superintendent and Other Members of
the Board
More Information Resources on Governance Issues and
Effective School Boards
PART II - State and Federal Policies: Implications
for School Boards
"No Child Left Behind" Federal Law
Pennsylvania's Academic Standards and State
Assessments
Building Educational Capacity to Support Student
Achievement
Charter Schools, Cyber Schools, Homeschool, Vouchers,
and Other Choices
Pennsylvania's Educational Funding System
Impact of Act 72 of 2004 and Special Session Act 1 of 2006 (Property Tax Relief)
More Information Resources on Education Policy
PART III - Candidates and the Law
Who Can Serve on a School Board?
2007 Election Schedule - Key Dates
Candidates and Pennsylvania's Ethics Law
Requirements for Petitions
Pennsylvania's Campaign Finance Law
Location
Rustic Lodge is located 1.6 miles southwest of Indiana on Route 286. From
the north take the 119 bypass to the Indiana exit onto Route 286. Follow
286 through Indiana on Philadelphia Street to Ninth Street. Turn left (south)
continuing on 286.
From Route 422, take the Route 286 exit turning east on Oakland Avenue and
following Route 286 toward Indiana.
Cost
Registration fee of $30 includes tuition and workshop packet as well as
continental breakfast, buffet luncheon and morning and afternoon snacks.
Lodging
For persons who might like to stay in Indiana on Friday night, a small
block of rooms will be held until Friday, January 5, at the Holiday Inn under
the League of Women Voters at a special rate of $75.00 (+9% tax). Location:
1395 Wayne Avenue and Indian Springs Road. Phone is 724-463-3561.
For additional information
The web site of the LWVIC has full information including directions. For
direct contact, call 724-349-2718 or email
diane.duntley@gmail.com.
Who is invited?
This workshop is open to everyone interested in learning more about the work
of school boards. It is particularly useful for potential candidates and
their support/staff without regard to political party. Incumbents who are
candidates for reelection are also welcome.
The workshop will focus on the concerns of rural districts; it is offered
to the west central Pennsylvania area roughly included in the Routes 119 and
219 corridors. Districts in Intermediate Units 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 28 are
particularly targeted.
About the sponsor
The League of Women Voters has long had major interest in supporting public
education. The League is a non-partisan political organization. This means
we are deeply involved in the issues of the day, but we neither support nor
oppose any political party or candidate for public office. We encourage all
citizens to participate in the party of their choice. We have offered other
workshops for persons interested in public service in elected or appointed offices.
About EPLC
The Education Policy and Leadership Center is an independent, nonpartisan and
not-for-profit organization established in 1998 and based in Harrisburg, PA.
The mission of EPLC is to encourage and support the use of more effective
state-level education policies to improve student learning in grades P-12,
increase the effective operation of schools, and enhance educational opportunities
for citizens of all ages.
EPLC has offered versions of this workshop in Pittsburgh and in locations in
the eastern part of the state, but this is the first offering of a workshop
in this west-central area.
Introducing the presenter
Ron Cowell served in the state House of Representatives for 24 years and was
majority or minority leaders of the House Education Committee. He has also
served in major leadership roles in national organizations focusing at both
K-12 and higher education. Since 1998 he has been president of EPLC.
