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, the Learning Hub and the Advocacy Center. Check out this 2-page PDF on how to make the most of the IASB website.

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

Thriving During Your First Year on the Board—This digital workshop recording covers basic onboarding skills and topics essential for new board members, including governance 101, select IASB sample policies and meetings laws. The full recording is available for purchase for $45. You'll also gain access to participation resources provided by presenters.

School Board Member Handbook—This essential handbook covers roles and responsibilities, leadership, student achievement, board meetings, superintendent relations, school finance and more.

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.

The ABCs of Education: A Glossary of Terms for School Board Members—Decode acronyms and familiarize yourself with terms every school board member should know.

Tips for New Board Members—These tips, culled from the advice of experienced school board members, can help you make the most of your board service.

Reaping Social Media Benefits While Minimizing Pitfalls—Navigating the world of social media can be tricky—this advice can help steer you in the right direction!

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.
 
For team activities designed to orient new team members visit Orienting to Board Service.
 
 

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.