Capacity and Control: An Examination of Locally Controlled School Boards

• In Event: Park Central Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: Complexities of Managing Human Capital in School Districts

Abstract

The United States has a tradition of locally controlled public education, typified by democratically elected school boards. Over time, the professionalization of education shifted power away from boards, generating conflict over the public’s right to maintain local control of education. Debate continues over the role of school boards and their relationships with superintendents. Using a qualitative case study design, this study analyzes factors that affect the enactment of self-governance by locally controlled school boards, and how these factors influence superintendent-school board relationships. The study expands the theory of local capacity with dimensions of board and community capacity, and develops a typology of school board-superintendent relationships in locally controlled districts. The study concludes with implications for educational leaders and policymakers.

Author

• Daniella Hall, Clemson University