Orange County Schools
Board of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are on the school board?
We have seven members on our school board.
What does a school board do?
We develop policy and direction for the school system. We approve the budget and priorities for the school system. We approve all hiring in the school system. We do not manage the daily operations of the school district. That is the job of the superintendent and the staff.
Is this a paid position?
No, it is an elected position. However, members are paid $100/month.
If I'm interested in being on the school board, what should I to do?
Take the time to attend our board meetings; this would give you an idea of the scope of the issues we deal with. In any given meeting we could be talking about curriculum issues, energy management, school buildings, technology. You name it - if it happens in our schools, we will be discussing it. If after a few visits you would like to run for the board, then you may file to be a candidate at the Board of Elections office during the designated filing period. We have elections every two years.
Once elected, how long is the term?
Four years.
Can I be an employee of the Orange County Schools and a member of the school board at the same time?
No, you cannot.
If my child is having a problem in school, should I call a school board member?
Because we are policy makers, not principals or administrators, you may find that calling a board member may not be the most productive first step in addressing your concern.
If the concern is in the classroom or in an extra-curricular activity, first contact the teacher or activity leader. If that doesn't help, contact your child's principal. If you feel the problem is still unresolved, then you could contact someone in Curriculum and Instruction at Central Office or the Superintendent at 919.732.8126. If after trying all those options, you still feel the need to contact a school board member, please do so.
If the concern is in our afterschool program, contact the program coordinator at your child's school, or the Community Schools Office at 919.732.4166.
If I'm an Orange County Schools employee and have a concern, can I contact a school board member?
Because we are policy makers, not managers or supervisors, you may find that calling a board member may not be the most productive first step in addressing your concern. First speak with your supervisor. If that does not resolve the situation, then speak with someone at Central Office in Human Resources or with the Superintendent. If after trying those options, you still feel the need to contact a school board member, please do so.
How can I contact a member of the school board?
E-mail: Individual e-mail addresses are conveniently linked to each member's name on the Member page. If you would like to send a group e-mail to all board members, you can do so through our Contact Us page.
Phone: Phone numbers are listed on our Member page.
Postal Mail: c/o Central Office at 200 E. King Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278