I WISH It Was Rocket Science: Lessons Learned from School Board Service

In this talk I will share my experience of election to the Haddon Heights, New Jersey Board of Education and my event-filled path to Board presidency. As a board member, I have worked with taxpayers, teachers, administrators, unions, fellow board members, students, and parents with the goal of improving public education in this small suburban district. In a state where every year the electorate simultaneously votes on their town's school budget, whether to increase their property taxes, and elect a new Board of Education, school board service presents a fascinating set of challenges and opportunities. I hope to convince other physicists that serving on their local school board is a great and personally rewarding way to have direct positive impact on local public education. I will also convey some important lessons learned about politics, education policy, and leadership.