Texas school districts and charters are overseen by school boards. The boards of independent school districts are elected by the citizens of their communities, while the boards of charter schools are appointed.
In each instance, the school board oversees the management of the district or charter school and ensures that the superintendent implements and monitors district operations. The board and the superintendent work together as a team to bring about the best education possible for the students they serve.
To make sure they carry their job out appropriately, school trustees are required to receive training in the laws and rules of the state education system.
Should the management of a district or charter fail to carry out its duty, the commissioner of education has the authority to impose a sanction by installing a monitor, conservator or board of managers. At any given time, only about a dozen of the more than 1,200 school districts and charters receive this type of school governance intervention.
Trustee Information Requirements
Under Texas Education Code (TEC) §11.1518, school districts are required to maintain current trustee information in AskTED, including identification of the board chair. TEA uses this information to support compliance with trustee reporting requirements. Required information includes each trustee's name, public email address, and term of office.
