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So, are you thinking about running for the school board? Let's begin with the basics. The locally elected board of education is a uniquely American institution. It oversees and manages the community’s public school system and ensures the public schools are responsive to the needs of the community.

School boards are comprised of volunteers within the community who dedicate their time to better public education. Board members come from all walks of life, from lawyers to teachers, engineers to nurses. In New York State, with the exception of a few large city school districts, board members serve uncompensated. School board terms are most commonly three to five years. A typical tenure for a board member is between five and 10 years.

To serve, you must be willing to commit to attend board meetings, which are usually held twice per month.

Your journey begins




So, are you thinking about running for the school board? Let's begin with the basics. The board of education oversees the public school system and ensures the schools are responsive to the community.

School board members are volunteers within the community who dedicate their time to better public education. Board members come from all walks of life. In New York State, most board members serve uncompensated. Terms are typically three to five years.

To serve, you must be willing to commit to attend board meetings, which are usually held twice per month.

Basic qualifications

You must meet certain basic qualifications to run for school board in New York State. You must be:

Basic qualifications

You must meet certain basic qualifications to run for school board in New York State. You must be:

Qualifications

You must meet certain basic qualifications to run for school board in New York State. You must be:

Desired traits




Beyond the legal requirements, you should possess the qualities below to be effective in your role as a school board member and community leader:

Strong communicator

Consensus builder

Community participant

Decision maker

Information processor

Team player