“With eighteen years as a classroom teacher and five years serving on the Board of Elections, I’m ready to build on Athens’ progress and deliver a world-class education for our students.”

-Adam Shirley, District 7 candidate for CCSD School Board

A map of the Athens Clarke County School Districts. Adam Shirley is running to represent District 7.

The Clarke County Board of Education (BOE) is the official governing body for the Clarke County School District. It is made up of nine board members who are elected to serve four-year terms.

What does a CCSD School Board Member actually do?

We set the direction for the school district

1

The school board focuses on the big picture — where our schools are headed and what we want to prioritize.

For example:
We might set goals around improving literacy, reducing achievement gaps, expanding career pathways, or making sure schools are safe and welcoming.


We don’t decide how a teacher teaches reading in a classroom — we decide that literacy is a district priority and hold leadership accountable for progress.

We hire and oversee the Superintendent

2

One of the most important jobs of the board is hiring the Superintendent, who runs the school system.

For example:
If the district isn’t meeting its goals, the board asks questions, sets expectations, and evaluates the Superintendent’s performance.


We don’t manage principals or teachers directly — that’s the Superintendent’s job.

The board votes on the district’s budget and makes sure it reflects community priorities.

For example:
We might ask: Are we investing enough in mental health supports? Are class sizes reasonable? Are we funding buses, special education, and facilities responsibly?


We don’t write individual paychecks or choose which supply a teacher buys for their classroom.

We approve the budget — and ask how money is being spent

3

We adopt district-wide policies

4

School boards set the rules that guide how the district operates.

Example:
Policies might cover things like student discipline, attendance, use of technology, or how families can raise concerns.
We don’t decide how a single student’s situation is handled — policies create consistency and fairness across all schools.

We listen to the community and bring concerns forward

5

Board members are elected to represent the public.

For example:
If families are worried about overcrowding, transportation issues, or school climate, board members raise those concerns publicly and ask for solutions.


We don’t promise instant fixes, but we make sure issues aren’t ignored.

We provide oversight and accountability

6

The board’s job is to make sure the system is working — and to speak up when it’s not.

For example:
We review data on graduation rates, attendance, test scores, and discipline trends and ask: Are students being served well? Who is being left out?


We don’t manipulate data or quietly handle issues behind closed doors — our work happens in public meetings.

We approve major contracts and long-term plans

7

Big decisions come before the board for a vote.

For example:
School construction projects, vendor contracts, or new district-wide programs require board approval.


We don’t negotiate every detail — staff brings recommendations and the board decides whether to approve them.

  • Board members don’t manage principals, tell teachers what to teach, or handle daily school operations.

    For example:
    If there’s a classroom issue, the right place to start is with the teacher or principal — not a board member.

  • We don’t hire, fire, or discipline individual teachers or staff (other than the Superintendent).

    For example:
    Even if someone brings a complaint directly to us, there are professional processes that must be followed to protect fairness and privacy.

  • Board members don’t handle grades, classroom assignments, or routine discipline cases.

    For example:
    If a student is suspended or having a conflict at school, that’s handled through school and district procedures — not by a board vote.

  • Local boards must follow Georgia law and federal requirements.

    For example:
    We can advocate for changes and push back where possible, but we can’t ignore state testing rules or funding formulas.

  • No single board member has power by themselves.

What don’t CCSD School Board Members do?

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