Run for School Board

School boards are a foundational part of shaping the future of our schools and communities. The decisions made by board members impact every student, family, and neighborhood in the district. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or engaged resident, running for school board is one of the most direct paths you can take to create meaningful change in our public education systems. 

  • Impacts on Students

    Curriculum & Instruction: Boards approve curricula and resources that shape what students learn.

    Funding & Resources: Boards set budgets, deciding how funds support schools, programs, and student services.

    Policies & Climate: Boards establish discipline, safety, and equity policies that shape school culture.

  • Impacts on Families

    Community Representation: Parents on boards bring firsthand insights to improve transparency, academic support, and communication.

    Support Services: Boards can expand wraparound services—mental health, after-school programs, and meals—that support students and families beyond the classroom.

  • Impacts on Communities

    Strong Schools, Strong Communities: Public schools boost stability, property values, and family retention.

    Civic Engagement: Running for a board seat gives everyday people a direct voice in local government.

    Public Good: Boards manage millions in taxpayer dollars, ensuring funds are used transparently for lasting community benefit.

Important Dates for the 2026 School Board Elections

Important Dates for the 2026 School Board Elections

March 6, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

April 12, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

April 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

May 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

May 12, 2026

May 12, 2026 at 8 p.m.

May 14, 2026

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, and 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 (https://cfrs.elections.delaware.gov).

Campaign Finance 8-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, and political committees, and political action committees that have contributed to the school board candidates on the school board election ballot).

School Board Election Polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

DEADLINE for voters to return voted School Board Election absentee ballots to the Department of Elections County Office conducting the election.

Department of Elections County Offices conducting the election.

Within 48 hours of the certification of the School Board Election results Department of Elections conducts public audit of the School Board Election results from randomly selected voting machines using the selection criteria in § 5012A(b) of Title 15 of the Delaware Code.

Within 96 hours of the certification of the School Board Election results DEADLINE for 25 or more persons who voted in a School Board Election to request, in accordance with 14 Del. C. § 1083(e), a recompilation of the results.

First Steps: Becoming a Candidate

Board Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a citizen of the United States and Delaware and live in the school district 

  • Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of the election

  • Must live in the nominating district for which he/she is a candidate 

  • Cannot be a paid employee of the district subject to rules & regulations of the board 

  • Must never have been convicted of embezzlement

How to File asa Board Member Candidate:

  • Get a School Board Member Candidate Filing Packet from the Department of Elections or download it.

  • File a completed Candidate Filing Form and a Delaware Child Protection Registry Consent Form with the Department of Elections no later than 4:30 p.m. on the first Friday in March in the year of the election. At the time of filing, a candidate shall submit a check for $14.00 payable to the State of Delaware for the cost of the Delaware Child Protection Registry clearance check. 

  • The filing form must be notarized. The Department will notarize your form if you choose to file in person at the Department’s office. 

  • Obtain a criminal background check and Child Protection Registry check 

Evaluating School Board Candidates

At First State Educate, we know that great schools start with strong leadership. That’s why we’ve created the Board Capacity Blueprints—a tool to help you understand the current expertise and capacities of your local school board. These Blueprints offer insights into key competencies like governance, finance, education, and community engagement.

With school board elections coming up in May, now is the time to make informed decisions about who will best serve our students and schools. Use the Blueprint for your district to see where strengths lie and where new perspectives could make a difference.

Check out the Blueprint for your district today and help shape the future of education in our community!