School board elections

With few exceptions, governing school boards in Illinois consist of seven members elected to serve four-year terms. Elections are held during the Consolidated Election on the first Tuesday in April of each odd-numbered year. (If that date conflicts with Passover, the election moves to the second Tuesday.)

Terms are staggered so there are three or four seats contested at each biennial election. Vacancies caused by death or resignation are filled by appointment (by the remaining board members) until the next election.

School board candidates run at-large. This means members of the board can live anywhere within the district and a voter can cast his or her ballot for any candidate(s).

Resources for school board candidates:

• DuPage County Election Division (election and voter information)
  • Candidate information (including petition packet)
• Illinois Association of School Boards (information on school board elections, including an overview and guidance)