Running for School Board: What You Need To Know

Thinking of running for school board? Ask the right questions before you file—and get the answers you need to launch a successful campaign.

FAQ

August 1, 2025 Save to Favorites

School board members play an important role in their communities because the decisions they make impact students. If you’re considering a run for your local school board, it’s important to understand the role of a trustee, the board, and the commitment you’d be making to your school district and community.

Where can I get information about my local board?

Your local superintendent can answer questions about how schools operate as well as questions about school district policies. The superintendent is usually responsible for maintaining the official district board policy manual. The superintendent will also know if there are any candidate workshops available.

Board officers and experienced trustees can also answer questions about how schools operate and can help you understand the inner workings of a school board.

The district policy manual is a key tool in understanding the requirements imposed by law upon the school district, as well as the paths the board of trustees has chosen within the discretion permitted to the board by state and federal law and regulation. You may wish to contact your superintendent’s office to request a copy of the policy manual or to gain access to the online policy.

School districts and regional education service centers offer candidate workshops that give you an opportunity to ask questions of local school trustees and superintendents about school board service.

Can I make campaign promises?

While it is common for candidates to run for a seat on the board with the goal of making changes in the district, board members are limited by what they can and cannot do. It is important to understand the school board’s roles and responsibilities before deciding to run for trustee.

For example, individual trustees have no official authority outside of a legally called board meeting, and the board cannot commit to actions that are not passed by a majority of those present at a legally called meeting. If a board candidate makes campaign promises, they are unable to keep — if elected — this may not only lead to an embarrassing situation for the trustee, but it may also lead to negative reactions from constituents.

Candidates for the school board should understand the basics of running a legal and ethical campaign for school board.

How can I prepare for board membership?

If you plan to run for school board but have never attended a board meeting, you should check one out. Because a board agenda may include action items, discussion, presentations, and time for public comment, it is not unusual for meetings to be lengthy. And that doesn’t include the time you’ll need to read, research, and prepare in advance of board meetings.

As a new board member — and even as a veteran — there is a lot to learn and to stay up to date with as laws and policies can change year-to-year. And trustees are required by law to take classes to ensure they fully understand policy and procedures. Being an effective board member means being informed and educated about what’s going on in your district.

This resource was originally published on Nov. 14, 2020, and has been updated.

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Running for School Board: What You Need To Know

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