Boykin: School Board Races Shape More Than Many Voters Realize

School board elections often receive far less attention than races for mayor, governor, or Congress. Yet the decisions made by those elected officials can have a direct effect on students, teachers, parents, and taxpayers.

That is the message of the latest installment of the Civics 101 series hosted by Julian Boykin, who argues that understanding the responsibilities of local offices is just as important as learning about the candidates seeking them.

Boykin said school boards are among the most influential bodies in local government because they oversee the policies that shape public education and determine how districts operate.

According to Boykin, one of the board's primary duties is adopting district policies and approving curriculum frameworks that guide classroom instruction. While day-to-day teaching remains the responsibility of educators and administrators, school boards establish the broader direction for the district.

Financial oversight is another major responsibility. School boards approve annual budgets and decide how taxpayer dollars are spent, setting priorities for classroom instruction, staffing, facilities, transportation, and other district needs.

Board members also hire, evaluate, and set compensation for the superintendent, who serves as the district's chief executive officer. That relationship, Boykin noted, gives school boards significant influence over the leadership and long-term direction of a school system.

Beyond academics and personnel, school boards oversee school construction, maintenance projects, transportation services, and other operational matters that affect students and families every day.

Boykin encouraged residents to become more involved in the process rather than waiting until Election Day. He urged voters to review meeting agendas, minutes, and previous board votes to better understand where members stand on issues that matter to their communities.

He also encouraged citizens to attend school board meetings in person or online, submit public comments, and participate in advisory committees when opportunities arise.

Voting, however, remains the most important form of participation.

Boykin said low turnout in local elections often allows incumbents to remain in office without broad public engagement. He argued that casting a ballot in school board elections is the most direct way for citizens to ensure their local board reflects community priorities.

The video closes with a broader lesson about civic engagement. Rather than focusing solely on campaign promises or personalities, Boykin encourages voters to first understand the duties of the office itself. Once voters know what a position is responsible for, he says, they are better equipped to determine whether a candidate's platform aligns with their goals for the community.

School board members are generally responsible for establishing district policy, adopting budgets, employing and evaluating superintendents, and overseeing district operations, though specific powers vary by state law and local governance structures. The National School Boards Association and the Alabama Association of School Boards provide guidance and resources outlining those responsibilities.

The full podcast may be seen on YouTube and below.

Julian Boykin is a strategic community leader in Hartselle, Alabama, with deep expertise in procurement, program management, and civic innovation. He holds an MBA from the Florida Institute of Technology, an M.S. in Acquisition and Contract Management, a B.S. in Business Management from Jackson State University, is PMP and CISM certified, and is completing a Doctorate in Business Administration. In federal service he served as a Senior Contract Specialist and Program Manager overseeing multi‑billion‑dollar acquisition portfolios. He founded Acquisition Consulting Experts, LLC and co‑founded a community‑focused banking initiative working to establish the Heritage Cooperative Federal Credit Union. His civic leadership includes board and leadership roles with the Morgan County Regional Airport Board, Hartselle for Tomorrow Foundation, 100 Black Men of Greater Huntsville, and several other organizations. He speaks on civic leadership, procurement, and community development and is available for interviews.

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