Running for School Board in Oregon

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Serving on a school board in Oregon is a rewarding way to help shape local education, advocate for students, and influence district policies. School board members are elected officials who oversee budgets, set goals, and ensure schools align with community values. 

Here’s what you need to know to run.

If you have already filed to run you are already aware of the eligibility requirements but here is a list for  reference:

To run for a school board position in Oregon, you must:

- Be a registered voter in Oregon.

- Reside in the school district you wish to serve for at least one year before the election.

- Not be an employee of the school district you’re running in (ORS 332.016).

- Meet any additional local district requirements (check with your district clerk).

 Election Process

- **When**: School board elections occur on the third Tuesday in May of odd-numbered years (e.g., May 2025). Terms are typically four years.

- **Filing**: Candidates file with their county clerk or district elections officer. Submit a *Candidate Filing Form (SEL 190)* and a petition with signatures (number varies by district size—usually 25-50) or pay a $10 fee.

- **Deadlines**: Filing typically opens in February and closes in March before the election (e.g., March 18, 2025, for the May 2025 election—confirm exact dates with your county).

- **Nonpartisan**: School board races are nonpartisan, meaning no party affiliation is listed.

Steps to Run

1. **Research Your District**: Understand its budget, challenges (e.g., funding, enrollment), and current board priorities. Please go to board meetings, meet the staff and talk to  the current board and superintended to gauge community needs.

2. **Build a Platform**: Focus on key issues—student outcomes, teacher support, transparency and/or facilities to name a few. Be clear, specific, and community-focused.

Your messaging needs to be clear and consistent. Don't get sidetracked on culture war issues.

3. **File Candidacy**: Gather signatures or pay the fee, submit forms, and ensure compliance with Oregon election law (ORS Chapter 332).

4. **Campaign**: Engage voters through door-knocking, forums, social media, and local events. Budgets are often small, so grassroots efforts matter. More on this during our training camps.

5. **Election Day**: Polls close, and results are certified within 30 days. If elected, you’ll take office on July 1 following the election. IN Oregon, mail-in ballots have an additional timeframe of 7 days to be counted.

#### Key Considerations

- **Time Commitment**: Boards meet monthly (or more), plus committee work and community events. Expect 10-20 hours monthly. Speak to current board members on realistic time committments.

- **Compensation**: In Oregon, School board positions are non paid.

- **Legal Duties**: You’ll approve budgets, hire and evaluate superintendents, and follow Oregon’s public meeting laws (ORS 192.610-690).

#### Resources

- Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division (sos.oregon.gov/elections) for forms and deadlines.

- Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA.org)

- Your local district clerk for specific rules.

Running for school board is a chance to lead with impact. Start early, connect with your community, and commit to the kids you’ll serve. Good luck!