News about violence and dysfunction at school board meetings may shape the impressions most people have of the public school governing body. While school boards have their flaws, Kappan columnist Jonathan E. Collins argues that they are worth preserving. School boards offer localized decision making and a way for a community to choose their representatives. School board meetings by law are open to the public and allow children under the age of 18 to speak and participate. Importantly, school boards are able to address student needs on a systemwide scale.
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