top of page
USA Flag

Becoming Familiar with Elected Offices as PC



As a Precinct Committeeman it's essential to be familiar with the various elected offices you might encounter during your four-year term.


One of the offices currently in the middle of candidate filing is your local School Board. Although this position is non-partisan, you will still interact with voters and potential candidates who may have questions about it.


Run For Your Local School Board This Fall


Running for a school board position in Indiana is an important way to contribute to your community and influence the quality of education in your local schools.


School board candidates are non-partisan, which means that this position has no affiliation with, or a lack of bias towards, a political party.


School board candidates only appear on the general election ballot.


Check with your local school board or election board to see which school board districts are up for election this fall. School board positions tend to alternate every two years for election; half in presidential election and half in mid-term election.


3 key sources for all school board candidates can be found on the Indiana Secretary of State website:

             Election Calendar

             Candidate Guide

             Campaign Finance Manual


Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the process:


Step 1: Understand Eligibility Requirements

  • Before deciding to run, ensure you meet the basic eligibility requirements:

a) Residency: You must be a resident of the school district you wish to represent.


b) Age: You must be at least 18 years old.


c) Voter Registration: You must be a registered voter in the school district.

 

Step 2: File the Necessary Paperwork

  • Candidate Filing Period: The filing period for school board elections in Indiana:

a) May 21, 2024-First day for candidates for School Board to file to run in the general election. (Sources: SOS Election Calendar, SOS Candidate Guide)


b) June 20, 2024- Last day for candidates for School Board to file to run in the general election. (Sources: SOS Election Calendar, SOS Candidate Guide)


  • Declaration of Candidacy:

a) Obtain the “Statement of Economic Interest” (CAN-12)


b) "Candidate’s Statement of Organization" (CFA-1)


A candidate for school board office is NOT REQUIRED TO FILE ANY CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT OR STATEMENT WITH A COUNTY ELECTION BOARD UNLESS THE CANDIDATE’S COMMITTEE RECEIVES MORE THAN $500 IN CONTRIBUTIONS OR MAKES MORE THAN $500 IN EXPENDITURES. (IC 3-9-1-5.5) (Source: Campaign Finance Manual)



c) "Candidate’s Petition of Nomination and Consent for School Board" (CAN-34) form from your county election office or the Indiana Election Division website.


Signatures: Most school board candidates will need to collect at least ten signatures of registered voters in your district. More details can be found on the form. (CAN-34)


d) Submit Forms: Submit the completed forms and signatures to the county election board by the filing deadline. (June 20, 2024 NOON)

 

Step 3: Campaign and Connect with Voters


Step 4: Election Day

School board elections in Indiana are held on the same day as the general elections, the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. For 2024, Election Day is November 5.

 

Overview of Duties of an Indiana School Board Member


Once elected, a school board member has several key responsibilities:


Policy Making

  • Adopt Policies: Create and adopt policies that govern the school district. These policies can cover a wide range of topics, including curriculum standards, student behavior, and school operations.

  • Review and Revise: Continuously review and revise policies to ensure they meet the evolving needs of the district and comply with state and federal regulations.


Financial Oversight

  • Budget Approval: Approve the district’s annual budget and ensure financial resources are allocated effectively to meet educational goals.

  • Monitor Spending: Regularly review financial reports to monitor district spending and ensure accountability.


Superintendent Oversight

  • Hire and Evaluate: Hire the district superintendent and evaluate their performance. The superintendent is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the district.

  • Support and Guide: Provide support and guidance to the superintendent, ensuring that district goals and policies are effectively implemented.


Curriculum and Instruction

  • Approve Curriculum: Approve and monitor the implementation of the district’s curriculum to ensure it meets educational standards and the needs of all students.

  • Assess Performance: Review student performance data and make decisions to improve academic outcomes.


Community Engagement

  • Communicate with Stakeholders: Maintain open lines of communication with parents, students, teachers, and the community. Seek input and feedback on important issues.

  • Advocate for the District: Advocate for the school district’s needs and priorities at the local, state, and federal levels.


Serving on a school board is a significant commitment that requires time, dedication, and a deep interest in the welfare of students and the community.


By understanding the responsibilities and preparing thoroughly for the election process, you can make a meaningful impact on your local education system.



Sources/Resources: These sources/resource are used above or your school board may refer to.


Thank you for stepping up!

留言


A Project of:

Hoosier Voices Foundation

Who's Your Voice? Choose Your Voice.

Use Your Voice!

Hoosier Voices (14).png

©2024 Precinct Committeeman Project of Indiana

bottom of page