Serving All
Being a Voice for Public School Students
Information and resources about becoming a school board member.
A wise choice: Serve on your local school board!
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. WHO serves on a school board?
- Interested citizens.
- Community members.
- Public leaders.
- Active volunteers.
WHO should be on a school board?
- Those who want to serve their community.
- Those who want to advocate for public education.
- Those who want to support the district’s schools and children.
- Those who hope to initiate change.
WHO is impacted by the school board?
- The district.
- The children.
- The parents.
- The community.
Be WHO you are. Be a school board member.
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.”
Who is a school board member?
With nearly 60 years of working with school boards, common traits among school board members emerge. School board members develop skills over time through experience and continued training. A school board member is…
- passionate about public education.
- motivated by the best interests of all kids.
- committed to listen and collaborate.
- trusting in the democratic process.
- engaged with board business and training.
Fundamental roles of school boards
Schools are large organizations and everyone in the community plays a role, but the school board:
- Visualizes and clarifies district purpose.
- Observes and monitors district progress.
- Implements policy and budget.
- Connects with community.
- Employs the superintendent.
Qualifications of school board members
- Must be a U.S. citizen;
- A resident taxpayer of the district or in urban districts, a voter of the district;
- A resident of Missouri for at least one year and at least 24 years of age;
- Current on state and local taxes;
- Have not been found guilty of or pled guilty to a felony under Missouri or federal law;
- Am not registered or required to register as a sex offender;
- Have filed required campaign documents for all previous campaigns, if any.
School Board Candidate Starter Kit
Download a printed handout to share.
Instructions: Print double sided. Fold in half, then half again.
School Board Meeting Information Card 4-up
Instructions: Print. Cut in half, then half again. Complete the card with your school board meeting information.
Send both pieces in a 4 x 6 envelope to a potential board candidate.
What am I Getting Into?
“Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. Although comprised of individual members—a school board is a group that embodies and serves all students within a local community. School board members represent the interests of the entire district, not a [...]
Finding Qualified Candidates for Your Open School Board Positions
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” –Mahatma Ghandi Finding potential candidates for your local school board may seem like a challenge, but many communities are rich in leaders, active neighbors, interested citizens and enthusiastic volunteers. Lead by example. Interested [...]
Making the Ask: An Honest Elevator Pitch about School Board Service
“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 Although sometimes perceived as a “thankless” job, the job of a school board is critical, valuable and essential to the success [...]
Ready for the next step? Be a school board candidate!
Welcome from MSBA Executive Director Melissa Randol!
Filing begins December 11, 2018 and for some districts in Kansas City, December 18. Filing ends January 15, 2019. Missouri school board members are elected during the Municipal elections: April 2, 2019
Remember! Successfully elected board members are further required to complete sixteen hours of orientation and training within one year of their election (RSMo.162.203).