PREPARING TO RUN

As with any new endeavor, you should do their homework. The best place to start is a school district’s website. Understanding the student population, educational needs, superintendent’s priorities, the district’s financial status, the total number and type of employees, and key issues currently facing a board are critical as you get ready to run. You are likely to be asked your opinion on certain issues and being prepared is the best way to demonstrate that you understand the issues and can represent your community.

Attending school board and committee meetings is a must. Not only do you learn about how that particular school board functions and their priority issues, but it’s also a perfect opportunity to meet other board members, administrators, and members of the public. Many districts livestream their meetings so they can be watched when your schedule permits.

Talk to family, friends, neighbors, current school board members, local elected officials, community leaders, and others about your interest in running. Not only does this help you build support for your campaign, it is good practice to hone in on your candidate-specific message of why you are running for school board.

For individuals who have never run for office, candidate training is necessary. The Pennsylvania School Board Association offers training on what it means to serve on a school board and the basics of running. There are other local, regional, and statewide organizations that offer training on how to campaign, raise money, manage communications, talk to voters (also known as canvassing), and comply with election reporting requirements. Take the time to learn as it makes the entire process more manageable and more enjoyable.

Checklist:

Know your district’s student and family demographics
Know your district’s academic performance and graduation rates
Know your district’s budget, tax rate, and facility needs
Understand your district as an employer – total employment, which employees are unionized, which employees your district is contracting with an entity to provide
Know the key issues facing your district
Identify the issues impacting students, parents, and the community
Get training

HOME

Background

Getting Organized

Preparing to Run

Messaging & Branding

Campaign Strategy

Researching the Opposition

Fundraising & Campaign Finances

Candidate Personal Issues

What’s Next

Resources

Parent & Community Groups Supporting School Board Candidates

About the Interviews