How do I become a candidate?
School board members in New York State, except for those in
the five largest cities – Buffalo, New York City, Rochester, Syracuse
and Yonkers – receive no remuneration except the satisfaction that comes
from rendering an indispensable public service.
Generally, school board candidates must be at least
18 years old, qualified voters in the school district and able to read
and write. They must be residents of their districts continuously for
one year (as little as 30 days or as long as three years in some city
school districts) before the election. They cannot be employed by the
board on which they serve nor live in the same household with a family
member who is also a member of the same school board.
Local school board members in New York State are elected,
except for those in New York City and Yonkers who are appointed. The
method of election may vary from district to district. Check with
your superintendent of schools or your district clerk to learn about
the voting plan in your district.
With limited exceptions, school board members serve
three-, four- or five-year terms. Terms are staggered so all board
positions are never open at the same time. By state law, school board
and budget elections, in all districts except Albany and the Big 5,
must be held on the third Tuesday in May.
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