School district residents who would like to run for school board seats can officially begin submitting their paperwork for the 2022 election cycle.
Candidate packets are due on April 18 at 5 p.m. with the schools' respective district clerks. The packets can be picked up in person, and in some districts the forms can be downloaded online. Nominating petitions must contain at least 25 signatures of qualified voters in the district of residence, including a printed name, address, and signature for each.
Candidates must be at least 18 years old and reside in the school district for at least one year prior to the election. Terms are for three or five years, depending on the district. Those who are elected will need to complete several hours of training at various times throughout their terms. Voting will take place on May 17.
According to the New York State School Boards Association, the role of a school board member is to take on "one of the most important citizen responsibilities: overseeing the education of the community's youth. In these challenging times for public education, school boards are seeking men and women who find excitement and satisfaction in confronting tough challenges and working collegially to rise above them and help students in their communities succeed."
More information can be found at nyssba.org/experience.