Board of Education Vacancy

boe

INTRODUCTION

The Alexander City School System has experienced much success during its existence. The excellent reputation of our schools has largely contributed to the growth and prosperity of our City. Although a Board of Education alone does not make a school system, it certainly is a major player in the success or failure of a system. 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF BOARD VACANCY

The City of Alexander is accepting applications for a board seat on the Alexander City Board of Education. Applications must be submitted by the end of business on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Applications can be submitted online or printed and hand-delivered to the City Clerk's Office.  Interviews will take place during the week of May 6, 2024. The appointment is scheduled for the May 20th Council Meeting. Term will begin June 1, 2024. 

All applicants must:

  1. be a resident of the City of Alexander City,
  2. not be a member of the City Council or County Commission,
  3. be of good character and capable of discharging all duties assigned to the board,
  4. not in any way be subject to the authority of the Board, and
  5. be a qualified voter.

It is desirable that the applicant be a citizen of the United States or have begun the naturalization process.

In addition, a successful candidate should possess all of the characteristics listed under “Interview of Applicants”.

INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS

The City Council members will interview each selected candidate individually.  In considering candidates, the City Council will give equal consideration to all individuals, male or female.  Furthermore, consideration will be given to representation of school areas and whether or not the applicant has school age children. The City Council will consider the following factors when interviewing candidates.

  1. Commitment to Public Education and our Community – Commitment to excellence in public education for all children, and strongly believe that every child can achieve.  This is exhibited through academic background, professional experience, community service and attitude.  Be an openly strong supporter of our school system and the community as evidenced by a strong desire to “give back” to the community.
  2. Dedication – Willingness to devote immense time and energy to Board matters and to be active in all Board meetings and functions, including the time to schedule periodic visits to schools within the system (without interference with classroom activities).
  3. Team Oriented – Has the ability and disposition to work as a team member on the Board and not as an individualist with personal motives; however, this does not mean that individual thoughts, ideas and opinions are discouraged, but to the contrary.
  4. Integrity – Board service must be with the utmost integrity; an applicant’s background must point to that direction.
  5. Open Mindedness – Ability and willingness to be open to the opinions and constructive input of others including Board members, school administrators, city officials and the public.
  6. Diversity – Exhibit the ability to recognize and respect the individual strengths and differences of others and support everyone’s right to freely express opinions.  Ability to disagree on issues and still maintain respect and trust for other board members and the superintendent.  Ability to operate in a dignified, professional manner in which everyone is treated with civility and respect.
  7. Judgment – Ability to use good judgment and to make good decisions in all issues relating to Board matters.  Included in this is the ability to understand the necessity for confidentiality on certain issues.
  8. Tenacity – Ability to withstand pressure from the public and special interest groups when making Board decisions.
  9. Communication Skills – Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally as well as good listening skills.

A successful candidate should possess all of the above qualities.

In addition, once appointed the member must:

  1. Understand the board’s proper role and resist attempts to micromanage.
  2. Serve as a liaison between the school system and community and shield the superintendent from undue political pressure.
  3. Help ensure the board meetings and other board work focus on improving student achievement.
  4. Support the board’s key role in policy, vision and goals, community engagement, budget adoption, and fiscal responsibility.
  5. Understand that individual board members have no authority unless delegated by the board.  Under state law, only a quorum of the board has the authority to act and to make decisions at a duly called board meeting.

SELECTION OF APPOINTEE

As of now, the City Council will vote to appoint the Board of Education member on Monday, May 20, 2024, during its Regularly Scheduled meeting.  

The schedule listed above may be subject to change.

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