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Recently, there have been many social media posts saying that our elected school boards and township boards should simply defer to the “experts” —meaning administrators or managers. While their expertise is valuable, that idea misses a fundamental point of representative government.
Elected officials are not meant to be rubber stamps.
The role of a board is to set policy, provide oversight, and represent the community. The role of administrators and managers is to implement that policy and provide professional advice. Too often, however, that line becomes blurred, with administrators or even solicitors effectively shaping policy rather than advising on it. That is not how the system is intended to work.
Board members are elected by the entire community—not just one group—and their responsibility is to make decisions that reflect the broader public interest. Many times while I served on the school board, I heard the phrase “it’s for the kids.” Of course students matter, but decisions are ultimately made for the entire community. We all benefit when our community is filled with well educated citizens. Additionally, communities deserve to see their representatives considering issues in real time, not simply endorsing decisions already made elsewhere or by others.
Take taxes, for example. We often hear that taxes must go up so we “don’t fall behind.” That’s not a complete argument. The real conversation should be: Why is an increase necessary—or why might it not be? If enrollment is growing, there may be a valid case for additional resources. If enrollment is declining, the opposite argument should be considered. These are exactly the kinds of questions elected boards are responsible for weighing.
The same applies to construction and procurement. Administrations may have preferred vendors, but it is the board’s job to ask tough questions, evaluate options, and ensure the community is getting the best value.
It’s also worth remembering that board members bring valuable expertise of their own. Many come from backgrounds in construction, law, engineering, business, and more. That real-world experience should not be dismissed—it should be used.
At the same time, one voice that is often underrepresented is the voice of the struggling—those who carefully budget to afford a modest home and feel the impact of even small tax increases. For them, higher taxes don’t just mean less money—they often mean less time with their families.
And we shouldn’t forget the importance of career and technical education. Many of the small businesses that keep our communities running—HVAC, auto repair, plumbing—are built by graduates of our CTC programs. Their perspectives matter too.Boards are where voters have their voice. It’s not an easy job, and those who serve are often under intense scrutiny. That’s why it’s important to speak up in support of thoughtful, engaged leadership. It’s why I felt the need to write this.
To our Republican-endorsed board members: we may not always be able to attend meetings, but we appreciate your service, we support your efforts, and we’re proud to have you representing our community.
Thank you.
Bill Bova is serving a second term as a South Londonderry Township Supervisor. He is a former school director of the Palmyra Area School District and current chair of the Lebanon County Republican Committee.
