Filing deadline looms for 4 school board positions

by Sara Swanson

While many residents are voting through the mail or preparing to vote in person in this summer’s state primary, the deadline is approaching to file to run for school board in November. On November 5, 2024, four positions on the school board will be up for vote. They are non-partisan positions so candidates did not need to participate in the primary, and the deadline to file is July 23 at 4pm. As of Sunday, no one has yet filed to run.

In order to be eligible to be a school board member, applicants must be a citizen of the United States, a qualified and registered voter, and have their primary legal residence within the Manchester Community School District. The candidate will either need to pay a $100 filing fee or collect between 6 and 20 signatures from registered voters who live in the school district. Candidates for school board file with the county clerk. Questions? Contact elections@washtenaw.org.

Should you run for school board? Here is a checklist from Manchester Community Schools on what makes a qualified school board candidate:

• Put children first: A qualified school board candidate should believe that every student deserves an equal, quality education. They should have a true commitment to the successful future of all students in the district and a proven history of advocacy on their behalf.
• No personal or political agenda: Board candidates shouldn’t be running on their own personal agenda or political aspirations. Instead, they must have a passion for public education and believe that all students are entitled to a quality education.
• Provide leadership: A qualified school board candidate should be passionate about moving the district forward. To accomplish this, a candidate needs to be an innovative problem solver who’s effective in building consensus and isn’t averse to change and reform.
• Appreciate diversity: A qualified candidate values the diversity of cultures and demonstrates a willingness to address the social needs of all children and their families.
• Understand budget and finances: Qualified school board candidates must understand their role as fiscal managers of the district with the responsibility of dedicating resources to the priorities of the district while maintaining a balanced budget.
• Know educational policy: A qualified school board candidate should be somewhat familiar with education policy and the role of the school board in policy making.
• Demonstrate integrity: A qualified school board candidate must be a person who has demonstrated honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness and adheres to a high ethical standard.
• Understands community outreach: A qualified school board candidate understands the importance of engaging the community in the school board’s decision-making process.
• Expects accountability: A qualified school board candidate must be able to hold the superintendent accountable to the goals of the district and in turn recognize they are accountable to the community.
• Residency: Candidates must be a registered voter in the school district; at least 18 years old; a citizen of the United States; a resident of the state of Michigan for at least 30 days; and a resident of Manchester Community Schools.

For more information on becoming a school board member from the Michigan Association of School Boards, including information on becoming a candidate, visit www.masb.org and click on “Become a Board Member” under “Tools and Templates” in the bar at the top of the page.

The seats up for election are currently filled by board president Brandon Woods; treasurer Corey Horky; trustee Ryan Novess; and recently appointed and soon-to-be-sworn-in trustee Dan Budd.

The 4-year terms will begin January 1, 2025, and end December 31, 2028.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.