On Tuesday, November 7, registered voters in Shaker have the opportunity to cast their votes for three available seats on the Shaker Heights School Board. There’s no better time than now to get to know the role of the board, its duties and its members.
School Board vice president Jeff Isaacs encourages residents to be engaged with Shaker Schools in whatever capacity they can, either by attending the school board meetings or as a PTO/school volunteer, which he did for many years before he ran for school board. Now in his second year of his school board term, Mr. Isaacs says his biggest learning has been the important work that occurs during board’s work sessions (which are held on the fourth Tuesday of most months). These meetings are open to the public and are “of great relevance to people who are interested in understanding the District’s work to improve itself,” Mr. Isaacs explains.
Current board president Alex Liston Dykema agrees that residents who attend meetings and work sessions can get a more in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the District and the school board. “We are having real conversations with our teachers, administrators and staff about the exciting initiatives taking place in our buildings,” Mr. Liston Dykema says. “I think this dialogue at work sessions makes the meetings more interesting for those who come and has made us more educated as a Board to better address our governance function and the decisions we do need to make.”
Shaker Heights School Board 101
How many members are on the School Board? Five
How long is each member’s term? 4 years
Who are the current Board members? President Alex Liston Dykema; Vice President Jeffrey Isaacs; Members William Clawson, Todd Davidson and Annette Tucker Sutherland.
When does the Board meet? The Board of Education generally meets on the second Tuesday of each month. All Board meetings are open to the public. Learn more about how board meetings are conducted. (Find the meeting schedule on the District's online calendar.)
Where can I find information on board agendas, meeting notices and minutes? Board Docs is an online agenda and meeting management system which enables members of the public to preview the agenda online and follow Board meeting proceedings online. Board minutes are posted on shaker.org monthly as are meeting notices.
What are the Board’s responsibilities?
The Board of Education is composed of five residents of the School District who are elected to four-year terms. The Board elects its President and Vice President in an annual organizational meeting. Board members bring to their work a variety of perspectives and strengths gained through their personal experiences, their education and careers, and their volunteer service in the community.
The Board’s major responsibilities are to:
- select and employ a Superintendent;
- select and employ a Treasurer;
- determine and approve the annual budget and appropriations;
- provide needed facilities;
- provide for the funds necessary to finance the operation of the District;
- consider and approve or reject the recommendations of the Superintendent in all matters of policy, appointment or dismissal of employees, salary schedules, courses of study, selection of textbooks and other matters pertaining to the operation of the District;
- require reports of the Superintendent concerning the conditions, efficiency and needs of the District;
- evaluate the effectiveness with which the District is achieving the educational purposes of the Board;
- inform the public about the progress and needs of the District and to solicit and weigh public opinion as it affects the District and adopt policies for its governance and the governance of its employees and the students of the District.
Learn more about the Shaker Heights School Board, as well as contact and biographical information for current board members, board policies and board statements online.