There are fewer than 30 days remaining for candidates to file to appear on the Nov. 8 ballots for school board seats in Kentucky. This includes incumbents whose full terms are expiring and who wish to seek another term, those appointed by the commissioner of education who must run to complete an unexpired term and any non-incumbents seeking the office for either a full or unexpired term.
KSBA’s Legal Services division again has produced an extensive online package of resources filled with information important about seeking election as a school board member under Kentucky laws. These include:
· Facts about filing to run.
· Summary of election finance rules.
· Responsibilities for candidates to comply with campaign finance laws.
· Affidavit for school board candidacy.
· Conflicts of interest for school board members.
· Oaths of Office.
· A comprehensive guide about what school board service involves.
· Special notes for candidates running for seats on independent district boards.
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is up to the individual incumbent board member to ascertain with the county board of elections your status as to filing to run for another term in office. Virtually every year, some incumbent board members fail to file because of confusion regarding their status – frequently involving members who have been appointed to fill an unexpired term.
KSBA staff attorney John Fogle discusses some frequently asked questions and common issues involving board elections in this month’s KSBA FYI video, which may be seen on the website home page.
The 2016 School Board Member Election Packet may be accessed here or via the rotating tab atop the KSBA website home page.