How do I become a member of the School Committee?
The Falmouth School Committee is comprised of nine individuals. Unless a candidate is filling the remaining term of a vacated seat, each member is elected for a three year term. Town elections occur in May of every year, and voters are able to cast a ballot for three School Committee positions.
Why run for school committee?
Public service is a way to enrich and serve our community. A high-functioning School Committee facilitates the work of the superintendent, which benefits all students and all of Falmouth.
What should I do if I want to learn more?
Get to know other parents in the schools through the PTOs , school council, or various school-related volunteer organizations. Attend school district events and some School Committee meetings. Monitor committee agendas for items of interest (agendas are posted on the town webpage and the district page). Contact the superintendent to see if there are any openings on Advisory Committees. Speak to the Superintendent and members of the School Committee by phone or in person.
What qualifications are required to run for School Committee?
You must be a registered voter in Falmouth and cannot be an employee of the school district. You do not need to have children in the Falmouth Public schools to sit on the School Committee. Candidates who wish to run for office can obtain nomination papers from the Town Clerk's office in Town Hall. In order to appear on the ballot, a candidate must collect the requisite number of signatures from registered voters and return the signatures to Town Hall before the submission deadline. Details can be found at the Town Clerks' office. New school committee members must submit to a background CORI check.
What is the time commitment?
The time commitment is variable, depending on what other activities the School Committee member chooses and the time of year. Preparation ahead of each meeting is necessary. Committee members also act as liaisons to District groups and serve on School Committee subcommittees (e.g. policy, budget). Members who are elected to be chair, vice-chair and secretary have additional responsibilities with time commitments. New members are required to take a 6 hour training session with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees within the first year.