Election season is in full swing and while many folks are focused on national headlines, it’s important for voters to remember the powerful impact we can make on our schools through state and local elections. At TNTP, we believe every young person deserves a K-12 education that opens pathways to academic, economic, and social mobility. This goal is supported by ensuring access to strong academic foundations and supportive experiences. Key decisions impacting education—such as resource allocation, learning standards, and curriculum—are often made by elected state and local officials.
The Impact of Your Vote
State and local officials play pivotal roles in shaping the educational landscape. Your vote influences everything from school funding to curriculum choices, affecting the quality of education that students receive. Here’s how different positions impact K-12 education and how they are elected:
1. Governor
- Role in Education: Governors shape school funding, advocate for education priorities, and appoint key education officials. For example, Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas signed legislation that addressed a longstanding shortfall in special education funding by adding $75 million to the budget.
- How They Are Elected: Governors typically serve four-year terms, with most elections taking place in between presidential elections.
2. State Legislation
- Role in Education: State legislators craft and pass laws related to education policy, funding, and curriculum. Indiana’s recent legislative session, for instance, expanded financial literacy education and introduced new requirements for addressing student absenteeism.
- How They Are Elected: State legislators serve two-year terms, with elections occurring every two years, in between presidential elections.
3. State Board of Education (SBOE)
- Role in Education: SBOEs interpret and implement federal and state education laws, oversee assessments, and set learning standards. For example, Maryland’s SBOE is considering a policy allowing parents to decide whether students are held back based on reading proficiency.
- How They Are Elected: In 25 states, SBOEs are appointed by the governor and serve adjacent terms. In seven states, SBOEs are elected at the same time as the governor, and in the remaining states, boards are split between elected and appointed members.
4. Chief State School Officer (CSSO)
- Role in Education: CSSOs lead their state’s Department of Education, which influences teaching and learning through policy and practice. In Rhode Island, the CSSO is working to expand career and technical education programs and provide more opportunities for young people to earn industry credentials in high school.
- How They Are Elected: CSSOs are typically appointed by the state board of education or governor, but in some states are elected by the voters.
5. Local School Board
- Role in Education: Local school boards hire and evaluate the district’s superintendent, develop and oversee the district’s budget, and develop policies that shape the student experience. For instance, Charlotte Mecklenburg School Board in North Carolina is evaluating changes to the school calendar and instructional day.
- How They Are Elected: School board members typically serve four-year terms, with district members and at-large members elected in separate elections every two years.
6. County Commission / City Council
- Role in Education: These local governments set property tax rates and coordinate resources like public transportation for schools. The Sumner County Commission in South Carolina, for example, recently approved a budget that increases teacher pay and improves school facilities.
- How They Are Elected: County commission and city council members typically serve four-year terms, with elections occurring every two years.
7. Mayor
- Role in Education: Mayors shape policies and fund programs that impact youth development, and facilitate public-private partnerships designed to support young people. For example, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston established a summer jobs program for teenagers that provided young people with a $1,000 bonus if they worked 100 hours and completed financial literacy training.
- How They Are Elected: Mayors typically serve four-year terms, with most elections taking place in between presidential elections.
Why Your Vote Matters
Every level of government affects how students experience education. By voting in state and local elections, you ensure that decisions made about education reflect the needs and priorities of your community. Before you go to the polls, we encourage you to learn about your area’s candidates and consider these questions:
- What will the candidate do to ensure that all young people have a strong academic foundation?
- How will the candidate work to ensure that our public education system prepares young people for the careers of tomorrow?
Your participation in these elections helps champion a vibrant and effective educational system for all young people.
For more information on how to understand your ballot and the interconnected roles of these offices, refer to resources like VOTE 411 and the National Association of Counties state profile map.
Every vote counts! Make sure you’re informed and involved in shaping the future of education in your community.
