16.13 Civic Engagement Opportunity: Run for School Board

Running for a school board in Ohio is a great way to get involved in your community and make a difference in local education. To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and a resident of both Ohio and your specific school district for at least 30 days before the election. You also need to be a registered voter in your school district.

To get started, you’ll need to file a petition with your county board of elections. This petition must be filed by 4 p.m. on the 90th day before the November general election. The number of signatures required varies depending on the size of your district. For example, a candidate in a city district with a population under 20,000 needs 25 valid signatures, while a district with a population of 100,000 or more requires 300 valid signatures. There is also a small filing fee. Once your petition is filed, you can start campaigning to gather support from your community.

Serving on a school board is a vital form of civic engagement. School board members help shape the educational policies and priorities of their district, directly impacting the quality of education for students. By running for a school board position, you can advocate for the needs and interests of students, teachers, and parents, ensuring that the community’s voice is heard in the decision-making process.

Moreover, school board service provides an opportunity to address important issues such as budget allocations, curriculum standards, and school safety. It also involves working collaboratively with other board members and district officials to make decisions that benefit the entire school community. Engaging in this type of public service not only helps improve local schools but also strengthens the community by fostering a culture of involvement and accountability.

For more information on running for a school board in Ohio, you can visit the Ohio School Boards Association website: https://www.ohioschoolboards.org/running-school-board.

Reference

Ohio School Boards Association. 2024. Running for a School Board.