Who is eligible to serve as a school board member?

To be eligible for election, a local school board candidate must be:

• A citizen of the United States.
• A resident taxpayer of the district.
• A resident of the state for one year preceding election of appointment.
• At least 24 years of age.

Note:  Candidates for school boards in the city of St. Louis are subject to special provisions.

When are school board members elected?

School board elections are held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in April.

Is there special training involved in being a school board member?

As mandated by the Outstanding Schools Act, known as Senate Bill 389 and by the State Board of Education rule, newly elected or appointed school board members are required to participate in training activities through the Missouri School Boards Association.  These courses will build on the skills and knowledge necessary for the school board member to ensure a quality education of the district.

How do boards of education make decisions?

A board of education is a governmental body, so it can take action only by a majority vote at a legally called public meeting.  The individual board member's major responsibility is to study, evaluate, and, after due consideration, vote in the best interest of all students at such a meeting.  A board member who attempts--without authorization--to speak for the whole board, direct members of staff, or make other individual decisions is exceeding his or her authority.