Get on Board for Public School Students!
The board of education is a volunteer representative body elected by the registered voters of the local public school district. Become a school board member if you are:
- Passionate about supporting public education.
- Motivated by the best interests of all children in your community.
- Committed to listen and collaborate with other leaders.
- Trusting in the democratic process.
The school board governs the school district and provides leadership and advocacy for public education. School boards are charged with making decisions in the best interest of the entire district. Learn more basics at https://www.mosba.org/school-board-basics
Qualifications
- A school board member must be:
- A U.S. citizen.
- A resident taxpayer of a district or voters of the district in urban districts.
- A resident of Missouri for at least one year.
- At least 24 years old.
Candidates must also be current on state and local taxes; have not been found guilty of or pled guilty to a felony under Missouri or federal law; are not registered or required to register as a sex offender; and have filed required campaign documents for all previous campaigns, if any.
Missouri School Boards’ Association
Candidate filing begins
December 7, 2021
Candidate filing ends
December 28, 2021
Election Day
April 5, 2022
What School Board Members Say
People serve on school boards for many reasons, but most do it for the satisfaction they get from seeing the positive impact that they can have on students and the community.
“I am a fierce advocate for public education as I truly believe it is the only hope many of our children have for a better way of life.”
Time Commitment
Board members in most Missouri school districts serve three-year terms of office. However, board members in Independence serve six-year terms, and board members in St. Louis and Kansas City serve four-year terms.
Board members are expected to be present and actively participate in school board meetings. Some school boards regularly meet once a month, but others meet more often. In some districts, school board members are also expected to serve on committees and attend district events.If elected, board members must complete 18.5 hours of orientation and training within one year of the date of the election or appointment. Board members must complete at least one hour of refresher training each year thereafter.
Recruiting School Board Candidates
You know what the school board is and does, but you may not be sure if you should run for school board. Here are resources to help you learn more about being a school board member.
Resources for School Districts to Recruit Candidates
If you are looking to recruit quality candidates for your school board, these resources will help communicate the role and responsibilities.
- Free Resources for School Board Candidates (single-sided flyer)
- Learn about school board members and what they do.
- Serving All: Being a Voice for Public School Students (2-page document)
- Serving on the Local School Board (fillable template for district)
About this document: The best way to explain what a school board member does is show them! This document allows you to fill in your local school board information for meetings and other information for a potential candidate. - Responsibilities of School Boards 8.5 x 5.5 half sheet
- Responsibilities of School Boards 17 x 11 poster
- Facts About School Board Members 5.5 x 8.5 half sheet
- Facts about School Board Members 11 x 17 poster
School Board Candidates
You made the decision – you are running for school board! Here are resources developed by MSBA.
- Board Candidate Video Series These short videos cover school board basics, candidate requirements and school laws.
- Candidate’s Legal Guide to Running for the School Board (document) This in-depth and detailed document will help guide you to running in the next election.
- Learn about school board members and what they do.
- Sample School Board Member Ethics Policy (document) This sample policy is a list of responsibilities adopted by school boards.
- Welcome Letter from MSBA Executive Director
Campaign Resources
- Creating a Candidate Committee
- Declaration of Candidacy – Most Districts
- Declaration of Candidacy – Districts Designated as “Urban”
- MO Form 5120, Affidavit that Candidate Is Not Delinquent on Taxes
- “Paid for By” requirements
- Tutorials for Candidates by the Missouri Ethics Commission
- 2022 Secretary of State Election Calendar
Resources for Elected School Board Members
Congratulations! You’ve been elected to the school board. Here are resources to get you started.