School Board Directors collectively adopt and revise districtwide policies and oversee resources for the schools in the district. The board has the power to hire or terminate a superintendent, adopt & change curriculum, and establish disciplinary policies. School board members are elected by residents of the district, except in Philadelphia, where board members are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by City Council.

• Elected members of school boards determine how state and local resources are spent in our schools, what local tax rates will be, what academic and extracurricular programs will be offered to students across the district, and what support services will be made available to families and other members of the community.

• School board responsibilities are far reaching, balancing constitutional mandates with the unique needs and requests of its district; ensuring proper and quality education is accessible to all students. With your voice, representation, and passion, we can uplift the mission and vision of each school district for the progress of our shared future.

• Must have no record of conviction for any felony offense, or any misdemeanor offense involving dishonesty or other “moral turpitude”

• A federal law known as the Hatch Act prohibits all federal employees and employees of state or local governments whose positions are funded entirely from federal sources from being candidates in partisan political elections for public office, including school boards. The Hatch Act does not prohibit holding elective office if appointed to fill a vacancy.

  • School directors cannot be employed by their school district during the term for which they are elected.

• Active-duty military, including reservists serving on active duty, are prohibited by federal law and Department of Defense regulations from running for or holding partisan political office.

• The office of school director is designated as incompatible with most other local government elective offices; incompatible offices cannot be held simultaneously.

• Term: 4 years

• Term Limit: None

• Salary: Unpaid

Learn More: https://www.psba.org/our-impact/issues-and-resources/#SOE