It is time to VOTE again!
School Board Election Day is Saturday, May 4
Early voting will be held April 22 – April 30
According to the National School Boards Association, school boards “establish the vision and goals for the public schools in their district, and they set standards for the performance of schools and superintendents.”
Your school Board of Trustees, comprised of seven local citizens, provides an important public service to the community, and serves without compensation. In accordance with the Texas Elections Code, Board elections are held on the first Saturday in May each year. Some districts hold their elections in the fall. Board elections are held at various locations across each district. Board members serve three-year terms. All registered voters who reside within the school district are eligible to cast ballots in Board of Trustees elections.
Many school board meetings are no longer sleepy and boring. Contentious issues (banning books, vaccine policies, CRT, LGBTQ policies, etc.) and fiery protests are becoming more common.
Why vote?
Local election turnout is very small, often only 5-10% of the electorate. Because of this low turnout, these races can be susceptible to the whims of a small number of voters. Many voters don’t study the school board candidates. This has allowed candidates who do not share the views of the majority of community residents to take control of school boards.
Research your local races. Know the candidates. Know what’s at stake. Support pro-equality, inclusive candidates. Encourage your friends and neighbors to support the candidates who are committed to safety and quality education for all students.
Vote in school board elections. Who runs your school district matters. Remember: Your vote makes the greatest impact in races with the fewest voters. It will make a difference. Even if you do not have children in the school district, your support of public schools matters. Your vote may avoid unpleasant surprises.
More information on candidates, polling places and board meetings is available at your school district’s website.
https://www.fortbendisd.com/boardelections
https://www.katyisd.org/domain/4308
Georgia Kimmel,
Public Policy Chair