Candidate qualifications include their knowledge of the issues facing the district and community, their understanding of board governance, their level of commitment, their ability and willingness to collaborate as a member of a team, and their interest to serve.  It can be helpful for candidates to possess relevant experience and/or familiarity with the School District operations, functions, and responsibilities.

The Caucus strives to support a school board that is comprised of individuals from different backgrounds and experiences. In addition, the Caucus relies on the guidance of the Illinois Association of School Boards for qualifications/characteristics of an effective School Board Member (as listed below):

• A thoughtful, sincere, and deliberate approach to the position. The effective school board member seeks first to understand the issues, knowing that their decisions have a tremendous impact on their community.
• A constructive attitude towards teamwork. The effective school board member understands that they have no legal authority as an individual. It is only around the board table that decisions are made and a board member exercises any authority.
• A willingness to spend the time necessary to be well-informed on the issues coming before the local board and to remain reasonably knowledgeable about local, state, national, and global education.
• The ability to represent the entire community and not surrender to a special interest or partisan political groups. The entire community includes citizens who may not have a direct relationship with the public schools.
• The temperament to respond accordingly and appropriately through challenging events. Board membership is an immense responsibility, so the public actions and words of its members will impact the district and its image and integrity.
• The willingness to listen thoughtfully to others. Although board members cannot be expected to agree with everything colleagues and constituents say, they are expected to listen respectfully to their opinions and concerns.
• The willingness to express one’s own opinion and participate in discussions in an open, honest manner, while encouraging and respecting the free expression of opinion by colleagues.
• The maturity to respect the confidentiality or privileged information and take no private action that would compromise the board or administration.
• The willingness to model continuous learning by taking advantage of professional development opportunities, such as those offered by state and national school board associations.
• The willingness to abide by and support the code of conduct as adopted by the local school board.
• The ability to identify, recommend, and encourage prospective candidates and mentor new board members to become effective school leaders.