Why school board elections matter
The decisions made by school boards influence nearly every aspect of a school district, from how resources are allocated to the goals and priorities that guide student success. They establish district policies, oversee budgets, hire and evaluate the superintendent, and set the direction for the local school district. The individuals elected to these positions play an important role in shaping the future of public education in their communities.
KSBA has compiled resources below for voters who wish to be informed about the role of school boards and the democratic process by which they are elected. Click each block for more information.
This section contains the following information:
- Kentucky's system of local school district governance
- Key responsibilities of Kentucky school boards
- Things school boards in Kentucky are NOT responsible for
- Five things every voter (and candidate) should know about school boards
- School boards versus School-Based Decision Making Councils (SBDMs)
This section contains the following information:
- Traits of an effective school board member
- Who can serve on a school board in Kentucky? (Qualifications)
- School board member authority
- Are school board members paid?
This section contains the following information:
- Responsibilities/requirements of the candidate
- School board campaign rules: What candidates may and may not do
- School board campaign frequently asked questions
This section contains the following information:
- Ways to become informed about your candidates for school board
- What to look for in a school board candidate
- Questions voters should ask school board candidates
This section contains the following information:
- Know what to expect on the ballot
- Where and how to vote