Special District Elected Positions in Ohio

Special districts in Ohio are independent governmental units created to provide specific services (e.g., education, utilities, libraries, parks) that complement general-purpose governments (counties, townships, municipalities). They are authorized by the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and may have elected or appointed boards, depending on local structure. Below is a detailed breakdown of the four specified positions.

1. School Board Member

What a School Board Member Does

School Board Members govern Ohio’s K-12 public school districts (city, local, or exempted village districts), setting policies and overseeing operations to ensure quality education (ORC 3313.01–3313.20). Ohio has over 600 school districts, each with an elected board, typically 5 members (some have 7, per local charter). Key duties include:

  1. Policy Setting
    • Establish district policies on curriculum, discipline, and operations.
    • Example: Approve a new STEM curriculum for high schools.
  2. Budget Approval
    • Adopt the annual budget, funded by property taxes, state funds, and federal grants.
    • Propose tax levies for voter approval.
    • Example: Approve a $50 million budget for teacher salaries and facilities.
  3. Hiring Superintendent
    • Hire and evaluate the district superintendent, who manages daily operations.
    • Example: Select a superintendent to implement a strategic plan.
  4. Facility Management
    • Oversee school buildings, maintenance, and construction projects.
    • Example: Approve a bond issue for a new elementary school.
  5. Student and Community Welfare
    • Address student needs, safety, and extracurricular programs.
    • Example: Implement a mental health support program.
  6. Compliance
    • Ensure compliance with Ohio Department of Education standards and state laws.
    • Example: Review annual performance reports for state accountability.

How to Run for School Board Member

Elections are nonpartisan, held in odd-numbered years (e.g., November 2, 2027), with 4-year terms, staggered so 2–3 seats are elected every two years.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Age: At least 18 (Ohio Constitution, Article V, Section 1).
  • Residency: Live within the school district for at least 30 days before the election (ORC 3313.02).
  • Voter Registration: Be a registered voter in the district.
  • No Conflicts: No felony convictions; cannot hold conflicting offices (e.g., district employee) per ORC 3313.13.
  • Qualifications: No specific education required; knowledge of education or community leadership is valued.
Steps to Run
  1. Research Local Rules
    • Confirm the 2027 cycle for your school district’s open seats (e.g., Columbus City Schools, a city district).
    • Check signature requirements with your county board of elections and review the Ohio Candidate Requirement Guide.
    • Resource: Ohio SOS Elections Page
    • Timeline: Start in 2026 (e.g., April–June).
  2. Declare Candidacy and File Paperwork
    • File a Declaration of Candidacy and nominating petition (Form 3-L, nonpartisan) with your county board.
    • Appoint a campaign treasurer and open a bank account.
    • Resource: SOS Forms: Candidate Petitions
    • Deadline: File by 4 p.m., 90 days before the election (e.g., August 4, 2027, as no primary for nonpartisan races).
  3. Collect Signatures
    • Gather signatures from district voters:
      • Typically 25–50 valid signatures (ORC 3513.253); larger districts (e.g., Columbus City) may require up to 150 (check county board).
    • Use Form 3-L.
    • Deadline: August 4, 2027. Collect extra signatures for safety.
  4. Pay Filing Fees
    • Fee ~$30, waiveable with sufficient signatures in some counties.
    • Deadline: August 4, 2027.
  5. Campaign Finance Registration
    • Register with the county board if raising/spending funds (ORC 3517.10).
    • File reports (e.g., pre-election, post-election).
    • Resource: Ohio Campaign Finance Handbook
    • Deadline: Register before fundraising (e.g., summer 2026); pre-election report due ~October 5, 2027.
  6. Campaigning
    • Build a platform (e.g., “improve student outcomes” or “fiscal responsibility”).
    • Engage voters via school events, parent groups, or community forums—focus on education and leadership.
    • Follow local sign rules.
    • Timeline: Start summer 2026, peak September–October 2027.
  7. General Election
  8. Post-Election
    • If elected, take office January 1, 2028.
    • File final finance reports (~December 2027–January 2028).
Hypothetical 2027 Timeline (November 2 Election)
  • April–June 2026: Confirm open seats in your district.
  • July–December 2026: Plan platform, collect signatures.
  • January–July 2027: Finalize signatures.
  • August 4, 2027: File petitions by 4 p.m.
  • October 5, 2027: File pre-election finance report.
  • November 2, 2027: Election Day.
  • January 1, 2028: Take office.
Resources

2. Board of Public Affairs Member (Villages)

What a Board of Public Affairs Member Does

In Ohio villages (municipalities with fewer than 5,000 residents), the Board of Public Affairs (BPA) manages public utilities such as water, sewer, electric, or gas systems (ORC 735.28–735.29). The board, typically 3 members, is elected in some villages but appointed in others (or abolished if utilities are managed by the village council). Key duties include:

  1. Utility Management
    • Oversee the operation and maintenance of village utilities.
    • Example: Ensure a water treatment plant meets Ohio EPA standards.
  2. Budget and Rates
    • Set utility budgets and recommend user rates to the village council.
    • Example: Propose a water rate increase to fund pipe replacements.
  3. Contracts and Hiring
    • Approve contracts for utility maintenance and recommend hiring of utility staff (subject to council approval).
    • Example: Contract a firm to repair a village electric grid.
  4. Infrastructure Planning
    • Plan upgrades or expansions to utility systems.
    • Example: Approve a new sewer line for a growing neighborhood.
  5. Public Service
    • Address resident complaints about utility services.
    • Example: Investigate a billing dispute for a water customer.

How to Run for Board of Public Affairs Member

Elections, when applicable, are nonpartisan, held in odd-numbered years (e.g., November 2, 2027), with 4-year terms, often staggered. Many villages appoint BPA members or delegate duties to the village council, so confirm local structure.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Age: At least 18 (Ohio Constitution, Article V, Section 1).
  • Residency: Live in the village for at least 30 days before the election (ORC 735.28).
  • Voter Registration: Be a registered voter in the village.
  • No Conflicts: No felony convictions; cannot hold conflicting offices (e.g., village council member).
  • Qualifications: No specific education; utility or management experience is helpful.
Steps to Run
  1. Research Local Rules
    • Confirm if your village (e.g., Yellow Springs in Greene County) elects its BPA (many appoint or lack a BPA).
    • Check with your county board of elections or village clerk.
    • Resource: Ohio SOS Elections Page
    • Timeline: Start in 2026 (e.g., April–June).
  2. Declare Candidacy and File Paperwork
    • File a Declaration of Candidacy and nominating petition (Form 3-L, nonpartisan) with your county board.
    • Appoint a campaign treasurer and open a bank account.
    • Deadline: File by 4 p.m., August 4, 2027.
  3. Collect Signatures
    • Gather 10–25 valid signatures from village voters (ORC 3513.253; smaller villages may require fewer, check locally).
    • Use Form 3-L.
    • Deadline: August 4, 2027. Collect extra signatures.
  4. Pay Filing Fees
    • Fee ~$30, waiveable with signatures.
    • Deadline: August 4, 2027.
  5. Campaign Finance Registration
    • Register with the county board if raising/spending funds.
    • File reports per ORC 3517.10.
    • Deadline: Register before fundraising (summer 2026); pre-election report ~October 5, 2027.
  6. Campaigning
    • Build a platform (e.g., “reliable water” or “affordable utilities”).
    • Engage voters via village meetings, door-to-door, or local events—focus on utility reliability.
    • Timeline: Start summer 2026, peak September–October 2027.
  7. General Election
    • Appear on the ballot village-wide (nonpartisan).
    • Date: November 2, 2027.
  8. Post-Election
    • If elected, take office January 1, 2028.
    • File final finance reports (~December 2027–January 2028).
Hypothetical 2027 Timeline (November 2 Election)
  • April–June 2026: Confirm if your village elects BPA members.
  • July–December 2026: Plan platform, collect signatures.
  • January–July 2027: Finalize signatures.
  • August 4, 2027: File petitions by 4 p.m.
  • October 5, 2027: File pre-election finance report.
  • November 2, 2027: Election Day.
  • January 1, 2028: Take office.
Resources

3. Library Board Trustee

What a Library Board Trustee Does

Library Board Trustees oversee public library districts (county, regional, or municipal), managing operations, budgets, and services to promote literacy and community access (ORC 3375.01–3375.22). Boards typically have 7 members, elected in some districts but appointed in others (e.g., by county commissioners or judges). Key duties include:

  1. Library Operations
    • Oversee library facilities, collections, and programs (e.g., story times, digital services).
    • Example: Approve a new branch in a growing community.
  2. Budget Management
    • Approve budgets, primarily funded by the state’s Public Library Fund (sales tax revenue) and local levies.
    • Example: Allocate funds for e-books and online databases.
  3. Hiring and Policy
    • Appoint a library director and set policies for library use (e.g., borrowing rules).
    • Example: Hire a director to expand digital literacy programs.
  4. Community Engagement
    • Promote library services and respond to patron needs.
    • Example: Launch a summer reading program for children.
  5. Compliance
    • Ensure compliance with state library standards and Ohio Auditor of State audits.
    • Example: Review financial reports for transparency.

How to Run for Library Board Trustee

Elections, when applicable, are nonpartisan, held in odd-numbered years (e.g., November 2, 2027), with 6-year terms, staggered so 2–3 seats are elected periodically. Confirm if your library district elects trustees (e.g., Columbus Metropolitan Library elects, but some rural libraries appoint).

Eligibility Requirements
  • Age: At least 18 (Ohio Constitution, Article V, Section 1).
  • Residency: Live within the library district for at least 30 days before the election (ORC 3375.15).
  • Voter Registration: Be a registered voter in the district.
  • No Conflicts: No felony convictions; cannot hold conflicting offices.
  • Qualifications: No specific education; library advocacy or community experience is valued.
Steps to Run
  1. Research Local Rules
    • Confirm if your library district (e.g., Akron-Summit County Public Library) elects trustees and has 2027 openings.
    • Check with your county board of elections or library administration.
    • Resource: Ohio SOS Elections Page
    • Timeline: Start in 2026 (e.g., April–June).
  2. Declare Candidacy and File Paperwork
    • File a Declaration of Candidacy and nominating petition (Form 3-L, nonpartisan) with your county board.
    • Appoint a campaign treasurer and open a bank account.
    • Deadline: File by 4 p.m., August 4, 2027.
  3. Collect Signatures
    • Gather 25–50 valid signatures from district voters (ORC 3513.253; larger districts may require more, check locally).
    • Use Form 3-L.
    • Deadline: August 4, 2027. Collect extra signatures.
  4. Pay Filing Fees
    • Fee ~$30, waiveable with signatures.
    • Deadline: August 4, 2027.
  5. Campaign Finance Registration
    • Register with the county board if raising/spending funds.
    • File reports per ORC 3517.10.
    • Deadline: Register before fundraising (summer 2026); pre-election report ~October 5, 2027.
  6. Campaigning
    • Build a platform (e.g., “modern library services” or “expanded community programs”).
    • Engage voters via library events, book clubs, or community forums—focus on literacy and access.
    • Timeline: Start summer 2026, peak September–October 2027.
  7. General Election
    • Appear on the ballot district-wide (nonpartisan).
    • Date: November 2, 2027.
  8. Post-Election
    • If elected, take office January 1, 2028 (or per district rules).
    • File final finance reports (~December 2027–January 2028).
Hypothetical 2027 Timeline (November 2 Election)
  • April–June 2026: Confirm if your library district elects trustees.
  • July–December 2026: Plan platform, collect signatures.
  • January–July 2027: Finalize signatures.
  • August 4, 2027: File petitions by 4 p.m.
  • October 5, 2027: File pre-election finance report.
  • November 2, 2027: Election Day.
  • January 1, 2028: Take office.
Resources

4. Park District Commissioner

What a Park District Commissioner Does

Park District Commissioners oversee county or regional park districts, managing public parks, trails, and recreational facilities to promote conservation and community recreation (ORC 1545.01–1545.13). Boards typically have 3–5 members, elected in some districts but appointed in others (e.g., by county commissioners). Key duties include:

  1. Park Management
    • Maintain and develop park facilities, trails, and programs.
    • Example: Approve a new hiking trail in a regional park.
  2. Budget and Funding
    • Approve budgets, funded by property taxes, grants, or user fees, and propose levies for voter approval.
    • Example: Propose a tax levy to fund a new nature center.
  3. Hiring and Contracts
    • Appoint a park director and approve contracts for maintenance or events.
    • Example: Hire a contractor for park landscaping.
  4. Policy and Planning
    • Set policies for park use and plan long-term development.
    • Example: Develop a 10-year plan for park expansion.
  5. Community Engagement
    • Promote park usage and address community needs.
    • Example: Launch a community fitness program in parks.

How to Run for Park District Commissioner

Elections, when applicable, are nonpartisan, held in odd-numbered years (e.g., November 2, 2027), with 4-year terms (some districts use 3-year terms), often staggered. Confirm if your park district elects commissioners (e.g., Cleveland Metroparks elects, but some are appointed).

Eligibility Requirements
  • Age: At least 18 (Ohio Constitution, Article V, Section 1).
  • Residency: Live within the park district for at least 30 days before the election (ORC 1545.05).
  • Voter Registration: Be a registered voter in the district.
  • No Conflicts: No felony convictions; cannot hold conflicting offices.
  • Qualifications: No specific education; environmental or community experience is valued.
Steps to Run
  1. Research Local Rules
    • Confirm if your park district (e.g., Franklin County Metroparks) elects commissioners and has 2027 openings.
    • Check with your county board of elections or park district office.
    • Resource: Ohio SOS Elections Page
    • Timeline: Start in 2026 (e.g., April–June).
  2. Declare Candidacy and File Paperwork
    • File a Declaration of Candidacy and nominating petition (Form 3-L, nonpartisan) with your county board.
    • Appoint a campaign treasurer and open a bank account.
    • Deadline: File by 4 p.m., August 4, 2027.
  3. Collect Signatures
    • Gather 25–50 valid signatures from district voters (ORC 3513.253; larger districts may require more, check locally).
    • Use Form 3-L.
    • Deadline: August 4, 2027. Collect extra signatures.
  4. Pay Filing Fees
    • Fee ~$30, waiveable with signatures.
    • Deadline: August 4, 2027.
  5. Campaign Finance Registration
    • Register with the county board if raising/spending funds.
    • File reports per ORC 3517.10.
    • Deadline: Register before fundraising (summer 2026); pre-election report ~October 5, 2027.
  6. Campaigning
    • Build a platform (e.g., “more green spaces” or “better park programs”).
    • Engage voters via park events, environmental groups, or community forums—focus on recreation and conservation.
    • Timeline: Start summer 2026, peak September–October 2027.
  7. General Election
    • Appear on the ballot district-wide (nonpartisan).
    • Date: November 2, 2027.
  8. Post-Election
    • If elected, take office January 1, 2028 (or per district rules).
    • File final finance reports (~December 2027–January 2028).
Hypothetical 2027 Timeline (November 2 Election)
  • April–June 2026: Confirm if your park district elects commissioners.
  • July–December 2026: Plan platform, collect signatures.
  • January–July 2027: Finalize signatures.
  • August 4, 2027: File petitions by 4 p.m.
  • October 5, 2027: File pre-election finance report.
  • November 2, 2027: Election Day.
  • January 1, 2028: Take office.
Resources

Notes and Clarifications

  • Elected vs. Appointed: The School Board Member role is consistently elected across Ohio’s school districts. However, Board of Public Affairs, Library Board Trustee, and Park District Commissioner roles may be appointed in some jurisdictions (e.g., cities often appoint utility boards, and some library/park districts appoint trustees). Confirm with your county board of elections or local government (e.g., village clerk, library administration, park district office).
  • School Districts as Special Districts: While the U.S. Census Bureau classifies school districts separately from special districts, they function similarly as independent entities with elected boards, making them relevant here.
  • Local Variation: Election processes (e.g., signature requirements) vary by district size and local rules. For example, a large district like Columbus City Schools requires more signatures than a small rural district. Providing your county or specific district (e.g., Franklin County, Yellow Springs Village) allows for tailored details.
  • Election Timing: All four roles are elected in odd-numbered years (next cycle: November 2, 2027), with no primaries for nonpartisan races, simplifying the process. Terms are typically 4 years (School Board, BPA, Park Commissioner) or 6 years (Library Trustee), often staggered.
  • General Resources:
Facebook X-twitter Youtube Instagram Discord Envelope

1701 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
Privacy policy & terms and conditions

All Rights Reserved.