Early voting for the Texas Constitutional Amendment and Local Elections begins Monday, April 25th. Many school districts will be holding elections for school board trustees during this election, while some will elect board members in November. You may have noted more civic engagement at school board meetings recently. Learning about candidates and voting is more important than ever!
What does your school board do?
- Sets the vision and goals for the district.
- Hires and evaluates the superintendent.
- Ensures district policies and processes align to goals and meet requirements.
- Advocates on behalf of students and families.
- Fosters parent and family engagement.
- Approves placement of school bond referendums on local ballots to fund capital projects (school buildings, buses, technology).
- Sets school district tax rate, seeking voter approval when necessary.
- Reviews and approves the school district budget.
- Determines with the superintendent and district CFO how funding is distributed within the district.
- Reviews and approves district staffing guidelines, compensation, and salary schedules.
- Adopts policies regarding hiring, assigning, appraising, and terminating school district personnel.
- Discusses key district issues in public school board meetings with the opportunity for public comment.
These are such important functions, but very few people learn about their candidates and go vote. Make your voice heard in this important election!
To Do:
- Find out what will be on your personal ballot with the League of Women Voters’ Vote411.
- Double check on your school board’s website to see if your district is holding school board or bond elections.
- Look for any candidate forums that are upcoming (or look for videos of ones that have already been held) to learn about candidates before you vote. Vote411 will have some and a google search may find you others.
- Vote in the May 7th election at your county polling places for local elections and constitutional amendments, and in a few rare instances, at separate ISD polling places for school board elections.
- VOTE EARLY Monday, April 25th – Tuesday, May 3rd.
Social media posts to share:
- “Early voting for the May 7th election begins Monday, April 25.” Do your research at https://texaseducatorsvote.com/ and vote!” #TxEd #TxLege #Vote
- “Many school board trustees will be elected during the May 7th elections! Make your voice heard.” #Txed #TxLege #Vote #TxEdVote
- “School board trustees are the most local form of government and make important decisions affecting your schools and kids. Learn about candidates and vote!” #Txed #Txlege #Vote
Do your research and vote for people you trust to do what is best for students, teachers, schools, and your community!
Sincerely,
Laura Yeager