General information about School Boards and School Board elections

Most schools have School Boards. They are there to involve parents in the running of their child's school and to find out parents' views about issues affecting the school.

School Board elections give every parent the chance to take part in this process. Every parent, provided he or she is on the school's electoral register, is entitled to put his or her name forward for membership of the Board. If more parents stand than there are places, there is an election by postal ballot.

If you want to find out more, talk to existing Board members. If you want to put your name forward for your Board, tell your head teacher or your education authority. They will be able to answer your questions and tell you what to do next. Your education authority will also generally undertake all the necessary arrangements.

Some comments about School Boards from Board members:

"We have a good school and I just wanted to play my part to keep it a good school, maybe even make it a better one."

"Everyone seemed to be listening and that made me feel really pleased. I thought all these professionals would just laugh, but they didn't. 1 felt really good afterwards."

...and a comment from a head teacher:

"No doubt about it. It lends power to the 'heidie's' elbow."

Who sits on the School Board?

Parents are the largest group. Members are also elected from the school's staff and a small number of members are "co-opted" from the local community. Some Boards also co-opt a senior pupil from within the school.

Although the head teacher is not a member of the Board, he or she attends meetings as an adviser. The local councillor and the Director of Education (or his or her representative) are also entitled to attend Board meetings.

How to find out more

Talk to members of your own Board or to your head teacher in the first instance. If after that, you still have questions, your education authority will be able to help you to find out more. For example, they will send you details of how to register and vote.

Copyright: - THE SCOTTISH OFFICE