The duties of a School Board member involve an average minimum commitment of 18-20 hours per month and at least double that amount for board officers. Duties include, but may not be limited to, preparation, participation and attendance at board meetings, including regular and special meetings as well as potential executive and exempt sessions, and attendance at other functions, such as committee meetings and meetings with the community and superintendent. Each member of the Mercer Island School Board is asked to serve either on four district committees or on three district committees and in a board leadership role (president, vice president, or senior/junior legislative representative).
Members are obligated to attend board meetings regularly. Whenever possible, each director is asked to give advance notice to the president or superintendent if they will be unable to attend a meeting. A majority of the board may excuse a director’s absence if requested. The board may declare a board member’s position vacant after four consecutive unexcused absences from regular board meetings.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact a member of the current School Board to learn more about what is involved.