Why School Board Elections Matter - Even If You Don't Have Kids in School

You may hear that school board elections are only for parents or teachers, but that’s NOT true. These elections affect everyone in our community. Here are five reasons why your vote matters, even if you don’t have kids in our schools:

1. School Boards Make Big Decisions That Affect Community Quality

School boards decide everything from how much money is spent each year, to teacher salaries, to school safety, curriculum, and policies that shape the learning environment. They hire superintendents, approve budgets, and set district-wide goals. These are not small tasks. What the board does ripples out, affecting property values, community well-being, and what it’s like to live here.

2. Your Tax Dollars Are on the Line

Even if you don’t have children in school, you contribute toward school funding through your property taxes. Voters who turn out have control over how those tax dollars are used: whether toward classroom resources, building repairs, teacher support, or extracurricular programs.

3. Strong Schools = Safer Communities

Investing in schools is one of the most effective ways to keep communities safe. When students are engaged, supported, and have opportunities to thrive, they are far less likely to get involved in risky behavior or crime. Good school board decisions can fund mental health supports, after-school programs, and partnerships with local law enforcement that help keep schools safe and kids on track. Safer schools lead to safer neighborhoods — something that benefits every member of the community.

4. Low Turnout Means Your Vote Has More Power

School board elections often have very low voter turnout. That means just a small number of votes can decide the outcome. Not participating doesn’t make it neutral, it lets others decide for you. If more community members vote, we get a board that better reflects all of us.

5. Schools Are Community Anchors

Even for folks without school-aged children, schools are central to the fabric of our neighborhoods. They’re resources for community events, often serve as polling places, and are a place where ideas and values are both reflected and shaped. Policies made by the school board — around discipline, library materials, equity, access, safety — affect the climate of the community as a whole.

What You Can Do

• Make a plan: vote early, by mail, or on election day. Mark your calendar.

• Encourage others in your social circles to vote. Remind them that school board races affect everyone.

When we all vote, we hold school boards accountable and help ensure public schools are places for learning, fairness, safety, and community strength. Your vote doesn’t just count; it changes what’s possible.