Considering Running for Board of Education

This page serves as guidance for those considering a run for the School Board. Although the legal requirements for becoming a board member in New York State are not difficult, possessing the characteristics that make someone a functional and productive member of a legislative body is very important. According to the New York State School Boards Association, the following attributes are helpful:

  • Effective Communicator: You can describe what you want and describe what others want; you are a good listener.

  • Consensus Builder: You are capable of working toward decisions that all can support and are willing to compromise to achieve that goal.

  • Community Participant: You enjoy meeting a variety of people; you can identify the community’s key communicators and reach out to fellow citizens.

  • Decision Maker: You know your own as well as others’ decision-making styles and can support group decision making, including supporting the will of the board when you personally disagree with the outcome.

  • Information Processor: You can organize priorities and schedules to handle large quantities of verbal and written information.

  • Leader: You are willing to take risks and be supportive of board colleagues, district staff, and the community.

  • Team Player: You help promote the board’s vision and goals.

Running for the Board

School board members receive no pay for service. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, qualified voters in the district, and be able to read and write. They must be residents of their district continuously for one year before the election. They cannot be employed by the board on which they serve nor live in the same household with a family member who is also a member of the same school board. State law requires school board and budget elections to be held on the third Tuesday in May. In order to declare candidacy, a nomination petition provided by the district clerk of the school district must be submitted.

Once Elected

Petitions Information

Petitions for Becoming a Board of Education Member

Petitions

Petitions are due by Monday, April 21, 2025, at 5 p.m. to the RCS District Clerk

If you have any issues accessing any document on this page, please contact Sue Starr at 518-756-5200, ext. 6000.

District Organization

For More Information

Anyone interested in running for the board of education is encouraged to contact board members or the Superintendent for more information. The superintendent can be reached at (518) 756-5200, extension 6003.

More information can be found on the New York State School Boards Association website (nyssba.org)