Nominations open for school board seats

07/19/2016 -

Every two years, seats on the governing boards of Sonoma County’s public school districts are open for election. This year’s school board seats will be filled by voters in the consolidated general election on November 8, 2016. Individuals interested in serving in these elected positions are urged to contact their local school district to learn more about the qualifications, responsibilities, and process for seeking election.

All individuals seeking school board positions must file a “declaration of candidacy” with the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters between July 18 and August 12, 2016. Interested parties should visit the Registrar of Voters on 435 Fiscal Drive Santa Rosa, CA 95403, to take out papers. For information regarding the nomination process for seats expiring in 2016, call (707) 565-6809. Residency within the school district is a requirement for all potential candidates.

School board members are locally elected public officials charged with governing their community’s public schools. They set the direction for the schools and establish the structure to support district operations. They employ the superintendent, develop policies and procedures, adopt curriculum, set budget priorities, and provide direction for collective bargaining agreements. As elected officials, they play a key role in ensuring accountability to the public.

In addition to the individual school boards governing Sonoma County’s 40 school districts, the five-member County Board of Education serves a different role. Key responsibilities include adoption of the Sonoma County Office of Education budget, governance of Court and Community Schools, and inter-district transfer and expulsion appeals. This year, three of the five seats are up for election - those that correspond with Sonoma County Supervisorial Areas 1, 3, and 5. Additional information about the role and eligibility requirements of the County Board of Education is available here.