Run for School Board: Make an Impact
Interested but don’t know where to start?
FSE is here to be your partner in the journey.
School board service is one of the most consequential forms of local leadership. When school boards govern well, districts are more stable, resources are better aligned, and decisions are grounded in long-term outcomes rather than short-term pressure.
What FSE Offers
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Curious about school board service but unsure where to start?
Virtual Tabling gives you a clear picture of the role, responsibilities, and path to running.
No pressure. Just practical insight into governing well through informational, one-on-one video calls.From January 6th-February 24th, join us on Tuesdays at 3pm HERE
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Board Matters breaks down the campaign process and explains why voter engagement matters. Join us each month for rotating topics that give a clear look at how candidates run and how communities participate.
Register for our next session on Thursday, January 15th:
File & Qualify: A Step-By-Step Guide for Filing to Run for School Board
Secure your spot HERE.
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FSE’s Candidate Handbook is a practical guide to the school board election process, outlining each phase of a campaign, including how candidates engage voters and build turnout.
Visit this resource for informed, responsible participation in local elections.
Introducing the Delaware School Board Index
The public information site from First State Educate pulls key school board governance information into one place.
The Index is designed to help families, community members, and partners quickly find reliable facts about how their local board operates and how to engage, especially when preparing for meetings, following decisions, or learning about school board elections.
Key Dates
March 6, 2026 at 4:30 pm
April 12, 2026 at 11:59 pm
April 12, 2026 at 11:59 pm
May 4, 2026 at 11:59 pm
May 13, 2026
May 13, 2026 at 8pm
DEADLINE for candidates for school board elections to file notice of candidacy.
Campaign Finance 30-Day School Board Election Report Period ends for all political committees (which includes candidate committees of school board candidates on the May 12, 2026 School Board Election ballot, political committees, and political action committees).
DEADLINE for all political committees (which include candidate committees of school board candidates on the May 12, 2026 school board election ballot, political committees, and political action committees that have contributed to the school board candidates on the school board election ballot) to file the 30-Day School Board Election Report. Must be filed electronically through the Delaware Campaign Finance Reporting System.
Campaign Finance 8-Day School Board Election Report period ends for all political committees.
School board election polls open from 7am to 8pm.
DEADLINE for voters to return voted school board election absentee ballots to the Department of Elections County Office conducting the election.
Almost every district has a seat open in 2026.
At First State Educate, we’re here to support you every step of the way from candidacy to board service. Whether through informational materials in the Knowledge Hub or community conversations during Board Matters, you’re not alone in your journey to run for school board.
Join the conversation:
Visit the Knowledge Hub:
