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Why you should run for your local school board

Our local school boards are one of the most important governing bodies in our communities. School board members are responsible for making decisions that have a direct impact on the quality of education for our children and all the children in our county.

We’re looking for candidates for these 12 school districts: Canyons School Board 1, 3, 7; Granite School Board 4; Jordan School Board 1, 4, 5, 6; Murray School Board 1, 5; Salt Lake School Board 2, 7. If you are interested, fill out this form.

"Our school boards are essential to our communities. These elected boards not only provide support to our students and teachers but also protect our students and teachers from political whiplash. Working with the education community for the last 7 years has increased my pride in the profession and enhanced my respect for all the stakeholders who make our schools incredible. School boards are essential in creating a climate of trust and caring. The people you will work with are some of the finest people you will meet."

- Kathleen Riebe, Utah State Senator, former Utah State School Board District 10


If you are passionate about education and want to make a difference in your community, consider running for a Salt Lake County local school board. Here are some reasons why:

  • You can make a real difference in the lives of children. School board members make decisions about everything from the curriculum to the hiring of teachers and administrators. By running for school board, you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the quality of education for all the children in your district.

  • You can be a voice for your community. School board members are elected by the community they serve. This means that you have the opportunity to represent the voices of your neighbors and ensure that their concerns are heard.

  • You can help to shape the future of education. School boards are responsible for setting the vision for education in their district. By running for school board, you can help shape the future of education for all the children in your district.

A candidate for a school board position possesses a well-rounded set of qualities, including resilience, diplomacy, teamwork, and a process-oriented mindset. This is a part-time, paid position, enabling dedicated individuals to contribute meaningfully to the improvement of our educational system and the well-being of students. If you are interested, fill out this form to let us know.

Here are some specific things you can do as a school board member to make a difference:

  • Advocate for high-quality education for all students. This includes working to ensure that all students have access to a rigorous and well-rounded curriculum, as well as the resources and support they need to succeed.

  • Support teachers and administrators. Teachers and administrators are the ones who are on the front lines of education. By supporting them, you can help them to do their best work.

  • Be a good steward of public resources. Taxpayer dollars fund school districts. It is important to be a good steward of these resources and to ensure that they are used wisely.

  • Engage with the community. It is important to get input from the community on the issues that matter to them. By engaging with the community, you can build trust and ensure that the school board is meeting the needs of the community.

If you are considering running for school board, here are a few tips:

  • Start early. The sooner you start planning your campaign, the better. This will give you time to build a strong team of supporters and to develop a clear message.

  • Get to know your district. It is important to understand the needs of your district and the issues that matter to voters. Talk to teachers, parents, and other community members to get their input.

  • Develop a platform. What are your priorities for education? What changes do you want to make? Develop a platform that clearly outlines your goals and vision for the future of education in your district.

  • Build a team. Running for school board is a team effort. Surround yourself with people who support you and who believe in your vision for education.

  • Raise money. Running for school board can be expensive. You will need to raise money to cover the costs of your campaign.

  • Run a positive campaign. Focus on your own platform and vision for education. Avoid negative campaigning and personal attacks.

Running for school board is a challenging but rewarding experience. It is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and to help shape the future of education in your community. If you are interested, please fill out this form to learn more.


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