A Board of Education is basically a committee of directors at the administrative level of the school board. The committee usually consist of 11 to 13 members that have been appointed by the Governor with the consent and advice of the State Senate. The structure of the committee is ruled by state laws and must be comprised of members representing different political parties, the different interest of the school system in the surrounding counties of that particular state. The Board of Education members help to determine educational policies of a specific county, city, or state. They evaluate all aspects of education from accountability and teacher education to curriculum. The Board serves the educational needs and interest of the county over which it presides, and appoints the Superintendent of Schools to manage the daily operations of the school system. The Board of Education is an advocate for all students with varying needs from early childhood education and English language learners, to Gifted and Talented Programs and Special Education. The Mission of the State and Local Board of Education is to ensure that all of its students meet or exceed high academic standards and are prepared for their next steps (e.g., the world of work and/or post-secondary education). Its major responsibilities set by state statute, are to establish the educational goals of the state, developing standards and objectives for local school corporations, assess the attainment of established goals, assure compliance with established standards and objectives; and make recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly on the educational needs of the state, including financial needs.
