We are excited to announce that the Maine School Boards Association’s 2024 Handbook is now available to assist Maine’s school board members and superintendents in meeting their wide-ranging duties, from roles and responsibilities, to school finance, to community engagement and more.

The 2024 edition has been updated to reflect the latest state statutes governing school structure, curriculum, assessment, school funding and collective bargaining. The document also offers important guidance on school board conduct and the knowledge and training required to be successful in the role.

“The need for effective local school boards acting in the best interest of students has never been greater,” said Maine School Boards Association Executive Director Steve Bailey.

“Board members must balance the needs associated with improving student achievement with school community fiscal realities. They must become well versed in their school district’s finances; be advocates for their students, programs, and teachers; anticipate the impact of rapidly changing state and federal regulations; and keep the community engaged and a supporter of the local public school district,” Bailey said.

The handbook also includes articles, sample policies, and further resources to assist your district in the years ahead. Due to the new format, it will be updated by sections as needed. The Maine School Management Association also provides many other resources for your school board, including newsletters, individualized workshops for school boards, and a School Leadership Development Program.

The complete 2024 MSBA Handbook is available at this link. It can also be found by separate section on the MSBA website, under the “Documents” tab. Should you wish to have a print version, we recommend that you print it out and place it in a 3-ring binder.