Superintendent's News

July 20, 2026

School Matters

By:  Wayne LePard - Royalton Supt. of  Schools 

 

School Board Elections

If you watch T.V., read a newspaper, stroll the internet, listen to the radio or see campaign signs on lawns, roads and highways you are getting flooded with campaign efforts for the November 3rd General Election.   Elections at all levels of government Local, State, and   National will be held in less than four months.

 

One of the ballot questions in this fall’s November 3rd General Election will be for electing three new Royalton School Board members, each for a four-year term.   There are three School Board seats up for election, the seats are currently held by Mr. Lucas Boyd, Mr. Randy Hackett, and Mrs. Maria Traut.  Information, including an article about being a school board candidate is on the school’s website under the DISTRICT tab and then Superintendent’s News tab.  

 

Article -  Are You Considering Board Service?

 

So, using the lingo of my favorite Fall sport, who is going to put their helmut on and step onto the field to take their place?   We need Royalton School District residents to consider running for or coax others to run for the School Board this coming fall.  To follow are some ideas I’ve taken from the Minnesota School Board Association for people giving consideration towards being a school board member. 

 

The decision to run for your local school board (or any public office) is one to which much thought and consideration must be given. Serving as a board member is one of the most important responsibilities that a citizen can undertake.  If elected, the educational standards which you, together with your fellow board members, establish will affect the future of the students and the community.  Being a board member is a complex and varied position, and often is frustrating as you struggle long hours with difficult choices.  Decisions need to reflect what is in the best interest of all students and all citizens. This demands a constant effort and strong commitment to serving other people.  However, it is also rewarding as you watch students succeed and go on to lead productive lives as the result of educational opportunities you helped to create.

 

So what does the School Board do?

The major function of the school board is to provide leadership, policy development, and communication. This is usually accomplished by adopting policies which the administrators and staff carry out.  Areas which the board is responsible for policy include but are not limited to:

 

Educational program development and monitoring   Student assessment

Student support services                                             Instructional materials                        

Facility use                                                                 Extra-curricular activities

Board operations                                                        Employee relations    

 

Other School Board roles include:

Long range planning                                                  Ratifying collective bargaining agreements

Care and maintenance of facilities                             Public relations

Legislative involvement                                             Superintendent evaluation

Budget adoption, revenue management, and expenditure authorization

 

What Makes a Good Board Member?

Effective school board members share a number of common characteristics, but it's important to realize they did not become effective the instant they were elected. Many qualities are acquired through experience and are important to consider:

 

  A conviction that public education is important      The ability to make decisions

  Loyalty to the democratic process                            Respect for district staff

  Ability to accept the will of the majority                  Ability to communicate well with others

  Courage & perseverance                                           Time and energy to devote to board business

  Ability to plan                                                           Vision & initiative

 

Over its proud past, Royalton School Board members have shared and demonstrated a number of these characteristics and were also able to work as a team member.  If you are willing to devote your time and talents to govern the school district and meet its challenges and opportunities, think about filing for candidacy.  The filing period closes soon.  Filing takes place in the School District Office beginning on July 14, 2026, and shall close at 5:00 o'clock p.m. on July 28, 2026

 

Our school, teachers and staff will be ready for the first day of school on September 1st.  GO ROYALS!