
November 7, 2023 is Election Day for many school board positions in Minnesota- click this link to see if your district has an election scheduled for 2023
Please take the time to research the candidates on your ballot and make a plan to vote. Your Local League of Women Voters (LWV) organization is a non-partisan resource for election and candidate information. Find your local LWV chapter here https://www.lwvmn.org/find-a-local-lwv

www.vote411.org is a non-partisan resource from the League of Women Voters that provides a one-stop shop to learn who is on your ballot; how, when and where to vote; and the qualifications and positions of candidates.
Here are some questions to consider as you review the candidates on your ballot:
- Does the candidate believe current funding levels for public education are adequate or inadequate? How would the candidate advocate for adequate funding for public schools?
- What is the candidate’s position on funding the special education and English Learner cross subsidy?
- What does the candidate think is the biggest challenge facing your district’s public schools? What is the candidate’s plan to address that challenge?
- What specific actions will the candidate take to increase the role of parents in decision making and promote parental engagement in your district’s schools?
- What is the candidate’s understanding of your district’s student achievement/opportunity gaps and what measures do they propose to eliminate the gap?
- What will the candidate do to help attract and retain highly qualified teachers for your district’s schools?
- What will the candidate do to help diversify your district’s teacher workforce?
- Does the candidate believe that art and music are part of a quality education, and if so, what do they plan to do to make sure these programs remain or be enhanced in your district’s schools?
- What is the candidate’s view on voucher programs that allow parents to use public funds to send their children to private schools?
- What will the candidate do to ensure that your district’s students graduate with the knowledge and skills they need to be college and career ready?
- What would the candidate do to ensure that your district’s afterschool programs and other activities remain in place for students?
- Is the candidate a current or former PTA member?
- Is the candidate aware of the National PTA Position Statements and Resolutions and do they share the same positions of the PTA?
(Thanks to Delaware PTA and Missouri PTA for the question themes.)
Sponsor a PTA Candidate Meet and Greet or Forum
- Local PTAs can host or sponsor a candidate meet and greet or forum, as long as all candidates up for election for the specific positions are invited to participate.
- PTAs cannot endorse individual candidates or donate PTA funds to candidate campaigns
Individual members of PTAS may endorse, support or work on an individual’s campaign, but may not identify themselves as a PTA member or officer when doing so.
Consider running for school board!
- PTA membership and leadership is a proven training ground for being a school board member
- A starting place for information is the MN Secretary of State site: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/election-administration-campaigns/become-a-candidate/
- The Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA) has helpful resources on running for school board:
https://mnmsba.org/membership/becoming-a-school-board-member/ - Contact your local school board clerk for your district’s candidate election information, including filing forms and deadlines.