School boards can affect the safety and well-being of students. Across the state’s 852 public school districts, locally elected boards make decisions about school rules, discipline policies, curriculum transparency, technology use, and how schools respond to student needs.

These decisions matter because many Illinois students still face challenges that affect their ability to learn and feel safe. For example, roughly 26% of students in Illinois miss 10% or more of school days. And that’s a warning sign that something isn’t working for them academically or socially. 

School boards set policies that influence how schools address attendance, behavior expectations, and internet safety.

How School Boards Keep Students Safe

School boards set clear rules and make sure schools follow them. 

They create policies that guide how schools handle issues like bullying, online safety, emergency preparedness, and staff behavior. These policies set expectations for students, teachers, and administrators. 

They also provide oversight and accountability by reviewing reports, asking questions, and holding school leaders responsible when problems arise. 

Why School Board Decisions Matter

School board decisions shape what students experience every day at school. These decisions turn into rules that affect safety, learning, and trust. 

• Safety policies. School boards approve policies on bullying, harassment, emergency response, and student discipline. They help schools prevent harm and respond quickly when something goes wrong. Weak or outdated policies can leave students unprotected.
  

• Technology use. Boards decide how schools use devices, apps, and online platforms. This includes rules around internet filtering, device monitoring, and data privacy, often guided by federal laws like CIPA, FERPA, and COPPA.
  

• Staff conduct standards. Boards set expectations for professional behavior and approve codes of conduct for teachers, coaches, and staff. Clear standards help prevent boundary violations and ensure accountability when misconduct occurs.

What Authority Do School Boards Have?

School boards have real decision-making power, but they don’t act alone or without limits. In the U.S., including Illinois, school boards operate under local control, which means they can set policies that reflect their community’s needs. However, they must also follow state and federal laws designed to protect students.

School boards are responsible for:

• Creating and enforcing local school policies, including rules on safety, discipline, technology use, and staff conduct

• Overseeing school leaders and holding districts accountable for following the law

• Complying with student protection laws, such as FERPA (student privacy), Title IX (protection from sex-based discrimination), and child safety regulations

While boards have flexibility in how schools operate day to day, they are legally required to protect students’ rights, safety, and well-being. When boards understand and take this responsibility seriously, they play a critical role in creating safe, transparent, and supportive school environments.

Where Oversight Breaks Down

Oversight can fall short when parents and communities aren’t fully involved in school board decisions. Many families don’t attend board meetings because they aren’t aware of them, can’t make the time, or don’t realize how much these decisions affect student safety and school policy. 

At the same time, a lack of transparency makes it harder for parents to stay informed. Important information about policies, technology use, or how schools handle concerns isn’t always easy to find or clearly explained. 

When parents don’t have access to clear information or meaningful ways to engage, gaps in oversight grow, and student safety can suffer.

How Parents Can Get Involved

1. Attend School Board Meetings. Most boards hold regular meetings that are open to the public. Attending allows you to hear discussions, understand policy decisions, and stay informed about issues that affect student safety.
   

2. Speak During Public Comments. Many school boards set aside time for parents and community members to share their opinions. You can use this opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns, or suggest improvements to school safety practices.
   

3. Participate in Elections and Community Initiatives. School board members are elected locally, so voting in school board elections gives you a direct voice in who sets policies for your child’s school. You can also join committees, attend workshops, or volunteer for safety initiatives in your district.

How ‘Strong’ School Boards Make Schools Safer

Strong, engaged school boards provide accountability and build trust with the community, which helps schools operate effectively and transparently. Here’s how they do it:

Accountability

Boards set clear policies for student safety, staff conduct, and emergency procedures. They monitor school performance, ensure compliance with state and federal laws like FERPA (student records privacy) and CIPA (internet safety), and follow up when issues arise.

Community Trust

Transparent decision-making and active communication with parents and community members help families feel confident that schools are prioritizing children’s well-being. Boards that engage parents in meetings, elections, and policy discussions create stronger partnerships that protect students.

Proactive Safety Policies 

Strong boards implement anti-bullying programs, digital safety plans, and staff training initiatives that reduce risks both online and in the classroom.

KIDS TOO Supports Local School Safety Efforts

KIDS TOO works to make schools safer by helping families, educators, and communities take action. We provide education, so parents and teachers understand key safety issues, from online risks to staff conduct. 

We also offer advocacy, supporting policies that protect students and hold schools accountable. And through leadership support, we guide local school boards and community leaders in creating strong safety standards. 

KIDS TOO helps communities build safer schools where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

Get Involved in School Board Decisions

You can help make schools safer by getting involved in your local school board. Attend meetings, speak during public comment, vote in elections, and stay informed about policies that affect student safety. Even small actions, like asking questions about staff conduct, technology use, or safety policies, can make a big difference.