New Board Member Portal—Welcome on Board! 

Congratulations on your election to your school board. All students in Iowa deserve excellence and equity when it comes to their education. The Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) is dedicated to that mission and to supporting the local school board members charged with governing and providing policy direction for the school districts serving those students.

What is IASB? IASB is a nonprofit membership organization governed by your locally elected peers across the state. We provide education, advocacy and services to more than 2,100 K-12, area education agency and community college board members across the state.

How can IASB help me? We believe that the actions of local school boards can have a profound impact on student achievement, and are dedicated to helping you take advantage of all we have to offer in order for you to be your best on the board. Your IASB staff team has created a host of resources you can use as a starting point as you learn about your new role. We are also planning conferences and other events full of valuable learning and networking opportunities. If you have any questions, IASB is just a phone call away: (515) 288-1991.



Ensure You Have Access to Members-Only Content

The IASB website is the go-to place for board/superintendent teams to access resources, tools and tips to excel in their governance and leadership roles. The website is organized by three major content areas: the Toolbox, School Board U and the Advocacy Center. Check out this 2-page PDF on how to make the most of the IASB website.

NOTE: We are currently in the processing of collecting new board member information. Once we have information such as email addresses, we will send all new board members an email with login information. If you would like to confirm your email address on file, please contact Jeff Rohrick at the contact information below. Once we have that information, we will create a member profile for you and you will be able to access members-only content. 


Questions? Email Jeff Rohrick or call (515) 288-1991.

Check Out Key Resources to Hit the Ground Running

School Board Member Handbook —This essential handbook covers roles and responsibilities, leadership, student achievement, board meetings, superintendent relations, school finance and more. All new board members will receive a printed copy at the Thriving in Your First 90 Days workshop at the IASB Annual Convention on Nov. 20-21.

Board Roles and Responsibilities Toolkit—Includes a guide to learning about the state of your district, traits of effective school boards, sample code of ethics, legal authority and more.

Standards for Effective School Boards—These standards are designed for use by local school boards as a common framework for excellence in school board governance.

Open Meetings FAQ and Online Course—This PDF answers frequently asked questions about Iowa’s Open Meetings Law. Consider taking our free two-hour Open Meetings online course!

School Finance Glossary of Terms and Online Course—Get a crash course in school finance with our handy financial glossary terms PDF. Consider taking our free two-hour Budget 101 for School Board Members online course! 

Advocacy 101—Jump-start your advocacy efforts with our guide. Learn about the legislative process, advocacy techniques and tips on making your voice heard for public education.

New Board Member Education

We have developed two brand-new workshops for newly elected board members—part one is a must-attend workshop on Nov. 20 during Annual Convention, and part two is a follow-up regional workshop in January and February that will be a powerful way to build a board team. Plus, plan to attend Annual Convention on Nov. 21—a day full of inspiring keynote speakers, dozens of education sessions, a robust trade show and more. 

Thriving in Your First 90 Days: New Board Member Onboarding Workshop
Blast off into your first term on the school board!
Wednesday, Nov. 20, Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
Join us for a pre-convention workshop designed to get you up to speed during your first 90 days! Workshop offered at 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m.

Pre-Convention Workshop: School Finance 101
Wednesday, Nov. 20, Iowa Events Center, Des Moines 
School finance is a key component for all school board members. Attend School Finance 101 for an introduction and overview of basic school finance concepts and terminology, budgeting and funding components in relation to your new role on the board.

IASB Annual Convention
Thursday, Nov. 21, Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
Board members run to make a difference for students and for their communities. The IASB Convention showcases innovations in education, how schools are raising the bar and tackling issues affecting students. You’ll find inspiring speakers and countless ideas to make public schools strong!

Regional Workshops: Leadership Essentials for School Boards
Navigate the board leadership landscape with core governance skills.
Jan. 9–Feb. 6, 2020, nine locations across the state
Being effective as a board member requires a strong understanding of board roles and responsibilities. It’s impossible to do a job well if you don’t know what the job is. This workshop will address fundamental duties of each board member in four core areas—all of which are front and center in the first months of the calendar year. It’s a must for every new board member and a team builder for the entire board.

 


Basics of Boardsmanship Awards Program

Hey, new board members! Interested in learning essential concepts and building a solid foundation for school board governance? Consider completing our Basics of Boardsmanship Awards Program—designed especially for you! New members are encouraged to complete this program within their first year of board service.