What do School Boards do?

School Boards play a very important role in the functioning of a school district, but they don't do what many people think they do. School boards work on the big picture; the day-to-day functioning of the schools and the management and coordination of all the people within them falls to the Superintendent.

​Any school Board is responsible for the following six critical things: 

setting vision,
​POLICY, & goals

The School Board’s vision, policies, and goals are what guide the Superintendent and District leadership in their day-to-day work. Vision becomes especially critical when facing tough decisions, such as budget cuts or program changes. As a former school administrator, I have helped shape and implement district vision, collect and analyze data to evaluate progress, and propose strategic goals and next steps—all with students at the center.

School district policies, while often modeled after state or federal guidance, shape the realities of daily school life—everything from community engagement to how resources are managed. Local decisions matter, and tailoring policies to reflect Ashland’s values is essential.

APPROVING
​CURRICULUM

With nearly 20 years as a curriculum specialist, I bring both deep and broad expertise in instructional materials. I understand what high-quality curriculum looks like, the research that supports it, and what conditions are needed to implement it effectively.

I’ve also been recognized nationally for my work—in 2014, I received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, which is awarded annually by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the President of the United States.

Today, I am in a leadership position in a not-for-profit EdTech company that supports the learning of students, teachers, and families across the country.​

approving budget
​& assuring resourcing

I’ve been on every side of the school district budgeting process—from designing and defending budgets, to finding creative ways to meet student and teacher needs within financial constraints. As a former assistant principal, I’ve presented and defended budgets to school boards and budget committees, and I’ve made tough decisions to stretch every dollar for maximum student impact.

Budgeting and resourcing isn’t just about spreadsheets. It’s about values. My focus is on strategic investments that protect vital programs like Career and Technical Education, support innovative learning models, develop the whole child, and ensure equity across the district. 

guiding
​collective bargaining

I bring 15 years of experience in collective bargaining, including serving as a union grievance chair. I’ve sat at the table, worked through complex challenges, and helped craft fair, forward-looking agreements that met both union and district needs.

​I understand how to build partnerships with union personnel that respect both staff needs and the evolving realities of our district, including our budget situation. This experience is essential as Ashland works to navigate change and remain a district where great educators want to work.

HIRING the
​SUPERINTENDENT

While I haven’t directly hired a Superintendent, I have been part of the evaluation and feedback process for a number of Superintendents.

​In Ashland, we’re fortunate to have recently hired an excellent Superintendent, Dr. Hattrick, and I look forward to supporting his leadership through shared vision and effective governance.​

advocating for
​ashland schools

Strong advocacy is about more than slogans. It requires deep understanding, honest communication, and the ability to connect with diverse audiences—parents, educators, lawmakers, and the broader community.

I’ve spent my career as a teacher, administrator, curriculum developer, and parent. That full-spectrum view allows me to speak clearly about what’s working, what needs attention, and why our schools matter so much.

 Vote 

 Ann M. Gaffney

 for 

Ashland school district
board of directors

Strong Schools, Strong Community, Bright Futures

Gaffney for Ashland Schools
Ashland, Oregon