Serving on a school board is more than just a volunteer role; it's a chance to make a lasting impact on the education system. More than 4,000 dedicated individuals serve as school board members for Michigan’s 600+ public schools. Every two years, board members are elected by voters of their local district to govern with integrity for a term of four or six years.
Eligibility: To run for your local school board, on the date of the election, you must be a U.S. citizen; at least 18 years of age; a resident of Michigan for at least 30 days; a resident of the school district on or before the 30th day prior to the date of the election and a registered voter in the school district where you intend to run.
WHAT DO SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS DO?
• The board governs the district’s work at the highest level by establishing policies and overseeing the superintendent’s performance.
• The board adopts and enforces all necessary rules for the district's management and governance. However, it can delegate many of its powers and duties to the superintendent through board policies.
• The board approves the district’s budget.
WHAT DON’T SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS DO?
• The board does not manage day-to-day operations.
• The board does not oversee district communications to parents and students.
• No single board member has any power outside of a legally called school board
meeting. During such meetings, the school board sits in trust for the entire local community.
For more information regarding serving as a school board member, visit MASB.