School Board Candidates
Be the Voice for Public School Students
Become a school board member if you are:
- Passionate about 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 board of education is a volunteer representative body elected by the registered voters of the local public school district. The school board governs the school district and serves as a leader and champion for public education in the community. School board members represent the interests of the entire district, not a subgroup or specific area of the school district and community. School Board members come from all walks of life and are as diverse as the communities they serve.
Qualifications
A school board member must be a U.S. citizen, a resident taxpayer of the district or voters of the district in urban districts, a resident of Missouri for at least one year and at least 24 years of age. 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.
Details are provided in MSBA’s A Candidate’s Legal Guide to Running for the School Board and Board Candidate Requirements.
School Board Candidate Handouts
Download a printed handout to share.
Instructions: Print double sided.
School Board Meeting Information Card
Instructions: Complete the card with your school board meeting information.
Contact
Missouri School Boards’ Association
573-445-9920
800-221-6722
info@mosba.org
“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.”
“I serve to give every child the opportunity for a quality education because it’s not only about the quality education system we have built, but the quality citizens we have encouraged to go forward.”
“I might not have taken the path to serve on the board if it weren’t for my parent volunteer days opening cans of tomatoes for a PTA chili supper.”
What am I Getting Into?
A school board member has several basic duties, including attendance at school board meetings; staying informed of school district issues by engaging in training; and following confidentiality and other laws. Be prepared to share opinions, respectfully listen to others and make decisions based on evidence. Advocate on behalf of students, the district and public education.
Although sometimes perceived as a “thankless” job, the job of a school board member is critical, valuable and essential to the success and pulse of a school district and community.
Additional information can be found here: How Do I Become a School Board Member?, Roles and Responsibilites video and School Law Basics video.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead
MSBA is in the process of updating the resources for the April 2021 election.
Ready for the next step? Be a school board candidate!
Filing begins December 15, 2020 and for some districts in Kansas City, December 22, 2020. Filing ends January 19, 2021. Missouri school board members are elected during the Municipal elections: April 6, 2021
Remember! Successfully elected board members are further required to complete 18.5 hours of orientation and training within one year of their election (RSMo.162.203).