Board of Education's role mirrors that of a referee

July 19, 2026 - 00:50

By Shelby Pons, chair of the Bristol Board of Education | July 18, 2026

When I was elected to serve on the Bristol Board of Education, I hoped to bring a fresh perspective to how we oversee our public schools. Over time, I have come to see our role as similar to that of a referee in a sports match. We do not play the game ourselves. We do not coach the players or design the plays. Instead, we ensure the rules are followed, the field is safe, and the contest remains fair for everyone involved.

This distinction is critical for the public to understand. The board sets policy, approves the budget, and hires the superintendent. We do not run classrooms, choose textbooks, or discipline individual students. Those tasks belong to professional educators and administrators. When board members try to micromanage daily operations, we step out of our lane. We risk confusing our oversight duties with hands-on management.

A good referee stays impartial. They do not favor one team over another. Similarly, the board must listen to parents, teachers, and community members without letting personal agendas drive decisions. We must base our votes on data, law, and what is best for all 9,000 students in Bristol, not just the loudest voices in the room.

The job is not always popular. Referees get booed. Board members face criticism. But if we stick to our proper role, we build trust. We let the experts teach, and we focus on keeping the system honest. That is how we win for our children.