School Board Candidate Training with the Leadership Institute

Join the Leadership Institute on November 19th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to equip yourself with the skills and knowledge to run for the upcoming April Elections.

Attendees will learn how to:
• Develop a campaign strategy
• Create a campaign structure and organization
• Hire and fire staff and consultants
• Research your district, constituents, and opponent
• Conduct voter outreach and get-out-the-vote strategies

Click here to RSVP!

School Board Candidate Timeline

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2022

Petitions may Start (Signatures)
Petitions may NOT be circulated prior to 9/20.
Petitions must be signed by at least 50 qualified voters or 10% of the voters, whichever is less,
residing within the district.
Get at least 150 to be safe.

DECEMBER 12-19. 2022 File Petitions
# Candidates determines ballot order or lottery

TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2023 ELECTION DAY

Qualifications 

  • United States Citizen
  • A Illinois state resident
  • Resident of the school district for at least one year prior to the election
  • At least 18 years of age 
  • A registered voter 
  • Can not be a school trustee
  • Can not be employed by the district

Note: In some districts, residency within specific sub-districts can limit eligibility for specific seats. Double check with your county clerk to ensure eligibility.  

Note: Federal law prohibits postal employees from running. 

Requirements

  • Must file a Statement of Economic Interests with the county clerk and secure a receipt. These forms would be issued from the county clerk.
  • Must obtain a nominating petition and gather at least 50 signatures from registered voters in your district. You may also gather signatures from 10% of the voters, if that number were to be less.  A nomination petition is issued from the county clerk or the board of election commissioners. 
  • File a Statement of Candidacy issued by the county clerk. 

Note: These documents and the county clerk’s receipt must be filed no earlier than 113 days before the election and no later than 106 days before the election. 

Note: If a candidate receives 3,000 dollars or more in their campaign, reports must be filed with the county clerk. (Illinois Campaign Disclosure Act)