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 provides leadership and advocacy for public education. School boards are charged with making decisions in the best interest of the entire district.
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.
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.
“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
Ready for the next step? Be a school board candidate!
Candidate filing begins December 15, 2020
(December 22 for districts in KC).
Candidate filing ends January 19, 2021.
Election Day is April 6, 2021.
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.”
“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.”
“I just really wanted to be an advocate for students… so that every child had the best opportunity to reach their potential.”
“Serving on a local school board is really one of the very truest efforts at grassroots representation. School board service is just very satisfying.”
Legal Resources
Candidate’s Legal Guide to Running for the School Board in April 2021 Election