Want to Run for School Board?

Are you thinking about running for school board? Want to know how to launch a successful campaign? Or, are you a school board member looking to make an impact in your district?

PDE Action and organizations across the country are here to help you. From step-by-step guides to training sessions to messaging strategies, following list of resources gives you the tools you need to make changes in your community. 

If you have questions, contact us at [email protected]. We will continue to update this page as more resources are available.

For Future School Board Candidates

Family Policy Alliance, School Board Academy 

FreedomWorks BEST Candidate Academy

FreedomWorks, School Board Candidate Toolkit

Heritage Foundation | Training for candidates and new school board members

Independent Women’s Network, How to Run for Public Office

Leadership Institute, The Joseph U. Oswald Patriot Online School Board Training Program

How to Ask for a Donation, 7FigureFundraising

Parents Defending Education, Running for School Board – A Starter Guide

For School Board Members 

AJ Crabill, School Board Coaching

Family Policy Alliance, School Board Exchange | Email us at [email protected] for more information

Parents Defending Education’s School Board Resources

Parents Defending Education Action, What You Need to Know | This document provides helpful messaging strategies on top education issues for legislators, school board members, and advocates

State Library of South Carolina, Robert’s Rules of Order Cheat Sheet

Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, Restoring American Education Initiative

Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, Model School Board Policies

If you want to get in touch with someone at one of these organizations, email us at [email protected].

Know the Facts

Parents Defending Education Indoctrination Map | This helpful tool can help you identify incidents in your state or school district

Parents Defending Education Livestreams: 

  • Public Records Requests:  Get the facts on exercising your rights under your state’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and public records laws to get documents related to your child’s education
  • Restorative Justice: Hear the moving story of Jeff Myers, a parent advocate at Save Oregon Schools, and learn how restorative justice approaches to school discipline cause harm
  • School Boards 101: Brush up on what a school board does, how people get elected, and how to advocate for your kids 
  • Social Emotional Learning: Learn how this warm and fuzzy-sounding curriculum can harm our children 
  • Surveys and Opting Out: Discover what information schools collect about your kids and what can you do to protect your kid’s privacy

Looking for more local support? Find a parents’ group or nonprofit near you here