School board
Legally, school boards are agents of the state, created by the legislature and selected by the electors of the local school district to represent and act for the state in providing the district with educational programs and facilities (source: MPS).
School boards are important because they are the elected bodies responsible for setting the vision, policies, and budget for public education in their districts, ensuring accountability, and representing the community's voice in shaping the educational experience for students.
Wisconsin kids need public education champions on school boards statewide — they're counting on us for budgets, policies, and curricula that meet their needs.
Nonpartisan election organizing basics: candidate surveys & forums
Wisconsinites deserve to be informed about who is on their ballot, but sometimes local school board races don't get the attention they deserve. Want to help your community get to know your local candidates and educate voters about the individuals running for school board in your district? Check out our nonpartisan Election Organizing Toolkit for some candidate forum tips and this helpful resource from the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) on putting on a candidate forum as a school district.
1) Build a committee & consider co-hosting
Build a planning committee and consider co-sponsoring the event with other respected nonpartisan groups/organizations.
2) Plan event details & invite candidates
Set a date and a budget, find a venue and moderator, invite the candidates, set an agenda, and develop your questions.
3) Promote and hold your event
Promote your event via social media and personal invitations. Assign key responsibilities so the forum runs smoothly.
4) Amplify your event after it's over
Be sure to record your candidate forum so that you can share it widely afterwards and help inform your community.
Run for school board
Are you a public education champion considering running for school board? Get on the ballot and make a difference for kids! See key steps below.
Build your team, attend board meetings, & get your name out there.
Begin collecting signatures for nomination papers.
Meet the deadline to submit nomination papers, campaign registration statement, & declaration of candidacy,
Put kids first and center inclusive and equitable policy.
Join Wisconsin Public Education Network for FREE trainings, resources, & mentoring opportunities!
Additional school board resources
If you're considering or planning on running for school board, check out these additional resources. Click here for resources from our 2025 School Board Candidate Connections workshop. Check out our School Board Champion Toolkit and sign up for our informal School Board Support Network for 1:1 conversation with current and former board members, small group check-ins, and general mentorship from those who’ve been there.
• Run for school board resources
• Nonpartisan election organizing basics
• Messaging toolkit
• Wisconsin state statutes on election of school board members
• Department of public instruction resources on school board operations
• School funding 101
• School funding 102
More on public education legislation
Vote public
Here’s what you need to know to make sure every vote counts for kids in upcoming elections. Learn about upcoming election dates, find essential voter resources, and more. #VotePublic
Referenda
Learn more about why so many schools in Wisconsin are going to referenda and find resources for local advocacy teams about how you can spearhead and support referenda efforts in your community.
Legislative vote tracker
We track bills related to education in Wisconsin as they move through the state capitol. See upcoming legislation and how lawmakers have voted on bills that matter to our students and their public schools.
