Frequently Asked Questions

Would I make a good School Board School member?

To improve outcomes for children and build more just and equitable communities, we must invest in the development of district leaders who reflect the diversity of the children we serve. School Board School is purposeful in building a diverse applicant pool so that the district’s school board and education leaders reflect the diversity of the district.

While we focus on recruiting people of different backgrounds, skills and experiences, they all share:

• A belief in the ability of every one of the district’s children

• A passion for and knowledge of the community

• A willingness to learn

• A track record of positively impacting the community

• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Are there any hard and fast requirements? 

At School Board School, we invest a lot in our members and expect that they, in turn, will invest in their own learning. To that end, you must agree to attend all of the sessions and field trips, and to arrive on time and prepared. Additionally, members sign a media waiver so that we can share all the good stuff we’re doing with the world.

How much of a time commitment is School Board School?

You need 5-10 hours a week to devote to the 7-month learning program. Some weeks, that is time on your own reading and preparing for group sessions. But often, that time is with the group. It’s important for you to have a flexible daytime schedule in order to attend board meetings and school tours. After the learning program, the time commitment will vary depending on what you choose to pursue.

If I want campaign help, should I apply to School Board School? 

There are lots of great organizations that can help you campaign, but School Board School is not one of them. School Board School is not involved in political activity. Once you decide you want to run for school board, you will connect with organizations that specialize in campaign work.

Where is School Board School?

School Board School is currently working in the Cincinnati metro area. If you are interested in bringing School Board School to your community, please get in touch. We’d love to talk!

Is School Board School open to anyone, regardless of political party affiliation?

School Board School is non-partisan but members must align with the vision and values of Cincinnati Public Schools, including those outlined in the below policies and resolutions, so that you are working in concert with the people in our district and can move toward better outcomes for kids faster.

• CPS’ vision, mission, and goals  

• Equity Policy

• Resolution re: Diversity, Equity, Inclusiveness, and Excellence in Education (pg 3-4)

• Resolution affirming CPS' commitment to all students regardless of immigration status

• Resolution committing to the safety of all students and staff (pg 2-3)

Are there any other expectations of School Board School members?

During our learning program, we provide a robust curriculum that includes the opportunity to engage with content area experts, current and former elected officials, access to relevant research and materials, and field trip experiences. However, we also expect you to be actively involved in your learning by coming prepared, asking good questions, and engaging in meaningful conversations.

Additionally, every session incorporates points of reflection, where members must consider and articulate their values, how those values and their skills & experiences intersect with the work that needs to be done in our school system, and make connections between the decisions they will make as school board members or advocates and the impact of those decisions on our students and community. This is difficult and sometimes uncomfortable work, but we expect members to engage in it in order to better serve our students.

We also expect members to prioritize camaraderie over competition because we know you can’t do this work successfully if you’re working alone. By building camaraderie within the group, members act as a support for each other on the campaign trail, in office, or serving the district’s children as education advocates.

Finally, joining School Board School is a long-term commitment. During the learning program, we help provide you with the tools needed to make change, but the real work happens after the learning program when you join in the work of the larger coalition and support each other in your individual goals & in collective actions to build more just and equitable school systems.

Class Schedule

Class Six Schedule (2024 - 2025)

Before applying, please make sure that you’re available on the dates listed. Questions or concerns? Get in touch with us via email.

August

Session: Welcome to School Board School
Saturday, 8/3/24, 9:00AM–12:30PM

Field Trip: Superintendent’s Back to School Annual Address + Debrief
Thursday, 8/8/24, 9:45AM-1:00PM

Session: What’s My Why?
Saturday, 8/24/24, 8:30AM–5:00PM

September

Session: How the Board Works
Saturday, 9/7/24, 9:00AM–4:00PM

Field Trip: Board Business Meeting
Monday, 9/9/24, 5:30PM - Hybrid

Session: Board Meeting Debrief + Asset Mapping
Saturday, 9/21/24, 9:00AM-2:30PM

October

Session: Systems Change
Saturday, 10/5/24, 9:00AM–5:00PM

Field trip: School Visits + Debrief
Wednesday, 10/9/24, 9:00AM-2:10PM

Session: Introduction to Big Issues in Education
Saturday, 10/19/24, 9:00AM–1:30PM

Field Trip: Committee of the Whole Meeting
Wednesday, 10/23/24, 4:00PM–7:30PM - Virtual

November

Session: How Policy is Made
Saturday, 11/2/24, 9:00AM–2:30PM

Field Trip: Policy Committee Meeting + Debrief
Friday, 11/8/24, 9:30AM–12:30PM - Virtual

Session: Midway Check-In
Tuesday, 11/19/24, 4:00–8:00PM

December

Session: District Finances and Budgets
Saturday, 12/14/24, 9:00AM-3:00PM

Field trip: Board Finance Committee Meeting + Debrief
Friday, 12/20/24, 10:00AM–1:00PM - Virtual

January

Session: Fundraising Skill-Building
Saturday, 1/11/25, 9:00AM–2:15PM

Education Policy Pitch Night
Tuesday, 1/28/25, 6:00PM-7:30PM, Virtual

February

Session: How This Work Affects Your Personal and Professional Life
Saturday, 2/8/25, 9:00AM-4:30PM

Event: Impact Fair
Wednesday, 2/19/25, 5:00PM-8:00PM

March

Session: Articulating Your Personal Vision For Impact + How You’ll Get There
Saturday, 3/1/25, 9:00AM–5:00PM

Session: Impact Presentations
Saturday, 3/15/25, 4:00–8:00 PM

MAY

Session: 50-Day Check-In
Thursday, 5/1/25, 5:30–7:30 PM

June

Session: 100-Day Check-In
TBD

Class 6 Application Timeline

Know someone who should apply to School Board School?