D204 Board of Education Elections

The Board of Education invites community members who are passionate about public education and committed to serving our students, staff, and community to consider running for the Board of Education in the upcoming April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election.

Nearly 6,000 men and women serve on local public school boards in Illinois, governing the education of nearly 2 million public school students across 850 school districts. School board members are elected by their local communities during a non-partisan, consolidated election and serve four-year terms.

IASB hosts a series of webinars for interested candidates and provide other resources and materials to assist school board candidates with navigating the election process and understanding the duties and responsibilities of an effective school leader.

About school board elections

School board elections are held during the Consolidated Election on the first Tuesday in April of each odd-numbered year. (If that date conflicts with Passover, the election moves to the second Tuesday.) Vacancies caused by death or resignation are filled by appointment (by the remaining board members) until the next election.

Illinois contains different types of school districts (community unit, elementary, high school, consolidated, etc.). With few exceptions, governing school boards consist of seven members elected to serve four year terms. Terms are staggered so there are three or four seats contested at each biennial election.

Please note that school board members seeking reelection and new candidates running for local boards of education are able to begin circulating nominating petitions on August 25, 2026 for the April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election.

The Board of Education will be hosting a prospective Board candidate workshop on September 21, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the BOE room NC 103.

Prospective Board Candidate Workshop

Board Member Qualifications

To qualify for school board membership, an individual must be, as of the date of the election:
● A United States citizen
● A resident of the state of Illinois and of the school district for at least one year preceding election;
● At least 18 years of age;
● A registered voter
To become a school board candidate one must:
● File a Statement of Economic Interests with the county clerk and obtain a receipt these forms are available from the county clerk;
● Obtain and complete a nominating petition signed by at least 50 registered voters or 10% of the voters, whichever is less, and a Statement of Candidacy. Nominating petition forms and Statements of Candidacy are available from the county clerk or county board of election commissions.

Board Member Responsibilities

Board members are elected, unpaid volunteers who serve 4-year staggered terms, and are elected to represent the voices and opinions of the school community. The Board of Education job is to:
● Adopt Policies on school operations and Board practices;
● Adopt and assess goals that meet the requirements and reflect the Community’s needs;
● Adopt a budget that provides resources necessary to pursue its goals;
● Select and evaluate the Superintendent, who manages the schools;
● Approve purchases, contracts, curriculum, textbooks, and personnel appointments;
● Negotiate with employee groups and approve their contracts;

The Board elects a President and Vice-President for a 2-year term. The Board Clerk/Recording Secretary is a District employee and acts at the direction of the Board.

Board Members have no power or legal authority as an individual. They make decisions or give direction as a 7-member Board.

Foundational Principles of Effective Governance

Work of a School Board Member

Questions to ask yourself

Superintendent Responsibilities

The Superintendent oversees the daily operations of the District, implements policies, and works with a leadership team and staff to achieve District Goals.

Primary responsibilities include:
● Serve as Chief Executive Officer;
● Provides leadership to the Central Leadership Team;
○ Directors and Principal
○ Coordinators
● Provides updates to the Board of Education
● Primary point of contact with the Board of Education
● Communicates with the community on behalf of the Board of Education

Board Member Time Commitments

2026 School Board Election Important Dates

Tuesday, August 25, 2026: First day to circulate petitions
Monday, November 16, 2026: First Day Candidate Filing
Monday, November 23, 2026: Last Day Candidate Filing
November 16-23, 2026: Filing period for Statement of Economic Interests
Wednesday, November 25, 2026: Notice of Ballot Placement Lottery

https://www.iasb.com/memberships-and-divisions/school-board-elections/

2026 School Board Election IASB Webinars

How to Navigate Running for School Board:
Understanding the Board Member’s Role - September 23, 2026

How to Navigate Running for School Board:
Petition Circulation: October 7, 2026

How to Navigate Running for School Board:
The Statement of Economic Interests: October 21, 2026

How to Navigate Running for School Board:
Petition Filing: November 4, 2026

https://www.iasb.com/memberships-and-divisions/school-board-elections/

Effective School Board Members are characterized by.....

The ability to work as a member of a team with an open mind and to engage in
discussion to arrive at a group consensus;
The willingness to spend the time required to become informed and do the
homework needed to take part in effective school board meetings;
The desire to serve children and the community, and a strong belief in the values
of public schools and educational success.
The recognition that the school district is a large operation and that the board is responsible for seeing that the district is run by highly skilled professionals.

Interested in school board service?

For additional information and access to these resources, please visit the IASB Elections webpage.

Serving on a Board of Education is a meaningful opportunity to help shape the future of our schools and ensure every student has access to a high-quality education. We encourage interested community members to explore this important opportunity for service.

For More Information

Contact the Clerk to the Board of Education Marilyn Zydlo.

Email Marilyn Zydlo