What a State Board of Education Member Does in Ohio
In Ohio, a State Board of Education Member is an elected official responsible for setting education policies, overseeing public schools, and ensuring quality education for Ohio’s 1.6 million K-12 students. The State Board of Education consists of 19 members: 11 elected members (one from each of Ohio’s 11 board districts, 8 appointed by the governor, and the state superintendent of public instruction (appointed by the board). Each elected member represents a district covering roughly 1 million residents (based on Ohio’s 11.8 million population). Elected members serve 4-year terms, with no term limits, elected in even-numbered years (e.g., 2026, 2028). In 2026, 5 or 6 of the 11 elected seats are up, depending on staggered terms due to the cycle. This role shapes Ohio’s public education system, impacting schools, funding, and student outcomes.
The State Board of Education’s duties, outlined in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 3301.01–3301.99) and Ohio Constitution (Article VI, Section 4), include:
- Setting Education Policy
Develop and adopt rules and standards for Ohio’s public schools, including curriculum, graduation requirements, and teacher licensure.
Example: Approve new science standards for middle school classrooms. - Overseeing School Performance
Monitor school districts and charter schools to ensure accountability and compliance with state and federal regulations.
Example: Review statewide test results to identify districts needing improvement plans. - Appointing a State Superintendent
Select and evaluate the state superintendent of public instruction, who implements board policies and leads the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
Example: Hire a superintendent to prioritize career-technical education. - Approving Budget Recommendations
Advise the governor and legislature on education funding, advocating for adequate school resources.
Advise a governor to recommend increased funding for special education programs. - Reviewing Education Rules
Approve or revise administrative rules proposed by the Ohio Department of Education to align with state laws.
Example: Update teacher evaluation rules reflecting new accountability measures. - Engaging with Stakeholders
Listen to parents, teachers, school administrators, and students through public hearings or meetings to inform policy decisions.
Example: Hold a hearing in your district to gather input on school safety policies. - Advocating for Equity
Promote policies to ensure all students, regardless of background or location, have access to quality education.
Example: Support programs to reduce achievement gaps in underfunded rural schools. - Collaborating with Districts
Work with local school boards and superintendents in your district to address regional education needs.
Example: Partner with a district superintendent to expand early childhood education programs.
State Board of Education Members serve part-time, attending monthly board meetings (typically in Columbus and occasional regional meetings, with travel to schools or events in their district. Members receive a modest stipend (approximately $2,500 annually in 2025, subject to change) and travel reimbursement, but no salary or benefits. The role requires dedication to education, with workloads peaking during board meetings, committee work, and public outreach. Members must navigate complex issues like funding disputes or curriculum debates while representing diverse district needs.
How to Run for Ohio State Board of Education
Running for the State Board of Education in Ohio involves a district-wide campaign in one of the 11 board districts, each spanning multiple counties or parts of counties. The election is nonpartisan, meaning candidates appear on ballots without party labels (though party support may influence campaigns). The next election is November 3, 2026, with terms starting January 2027. About 5 or 6 of the 11 elected seats are up for election in 2026, depending on the staggered cycle. Below is a detailed guide to running, tailored to Ohio’s rules for 2026. Verify requirements with the Ohio Secretary of State and your district’s county board(s) of elections, as districts boundaries vary.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: At least 18 years old (Ohio Constitution, Article XV, Section 4).
- Residency: Be a resident of the board district you’re running in for at least 30 days before the election (November 3, 2026) (ORC 3301.03).
- Voter Registration: Be a registered voter in Ohio and in your district.
- No Conflicts: No felony convictions; cannot hold other public offices (e.g., state legislator, county official) during the term (ORC 3.15); cannot be employed by a public school district or the Ohio Department of Education (ORC 3301.03).
- Qualifications: No specific education required; candidates often have experience in education, such as teaching, school administration, or parent advocacy, or community service.
Steps to Run for Office
- Research Local Rules
Identify your board using district Ohio’s State Board of Education district map. Review the Ohio Candidate Requirement Guide and election rules for nonpartisan races. Contact the Ohio Secretary of State and your district’s county board(s) of elections for filing details.- Resource: Ohio State Board of Education Districts
- Timeline: Start by now (June 2025)** to plan a district-wide campaign.
- Declare Candidacy and File Paperwork
Complete a Declaration of Candidacy and nominating petition (Form 2-G for nonpartisan State Board of Education candidates). Submit to forms to the county board of elections in the most populous county of your district’s most populous county (or the Secretary of State for multi-county districts). Since it’s nonpartisan, no party affiliation is declared, but you must appoint a campaign treasurer.- Resource: SOS Forms: (https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/elections-offices/forms-petitions/](https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/)
- Deadline: File by 4 p.m., by 90 days before the general election (e.g., ~August 4, 2026, for November 3, 2026 election, since no primary for nonpartisan races).
- Collect signatures
Gather signatures from registered voters in your board to district:- At least 100 valid signatures from district voters, or up to 5 signatures % of the district’s vote in the last gubernatorial election vote, whichever is higher (typically (400–1,000–1, signatures, depending on district size) (ORC 3513.01).
Use official petition form (Form 2-G for nonpartisan). Collect extra signatures (~150% of required, e.g., e.g., 600–1,500) to account for invalid ones. - Deadline: ~August 4, 2026, by 4 p.m.
- Tip: Target high-traffic areas in your district, like school events or community centers.
- At least 100 valid signatures from district voters, or up to 5 signatures % of the district’s vote in the last gubernatorial election vote, whichever is higher (typically (400–1,000–1, signatures, depending on district size) (ORC 3513.01).
- Pay Filing Fees (If Required)
Pay a filing fee of ~$65, which may be waived with sufficient signatures. Verify exact fees with the Secretary of State or county board, as they may adjust.- Deadline: ~August 4, 2026.
Verify exact fees with the Secretary of State.
- Deadline: ~August 4, 2026.
- Campaign Finance Registration
Register a campaign committee with the Ohio Secretary of State if raising or spending money. File regular finance reports (e.g., pre-election, pre-general, post-election) per ORC 3517.10.- Resource: Ohio Campaign Finance Handbook
- Deadline: Register before fundraising (~e.g., June 2025). Pre-general report due ~October 3, 2026 (~30 days before election).
- Tip: Use campaign software to track donations and ensure compliance.
- Campaigning
Develop a platform addressing education priorities (e.g., school funding, teacher support, student equity). Engage voters through school board meetings, parent forums, digital ads, and town halls. Follow Ohio’s campaign laws on advertising and signage.- Timeline: Start in June 2025; peak in September–October 2026.
- Tip: Connect with teachers, parents, and education groups, focusing on schools in your district.
Since it’s nonpartisan, avoid party alignment but seek endorsements from education stakeholders.
- General Election
Appear on the district ballot as a State Board of Education candidate. Compete against other nonpartisan candidates; top vote-getter wins.- Date: November 3, 2026 (first Tuesday after first Monday in November).
- Resource: Ohio Election Calendar
- Post-Election
If elected, take office in January 2027 (exact date set by board rules, typically early January). File final campaign finance reports, typically within 30–60 days after election (e.g., December 2026–January–January 2027). Begin preparing for board duties, including committee assignments.- Deadline: Final reports due by early 2027.
Hypothetical 2026 Timeline (November Election)
3 Election
- June–July 2025: Confirm eligibility, identify district, get forms from county board(s).
- July–August–December 2025: Collect signatures, begin fundraising.
- January–July 2026: Validate signatures with county board(s).
- FebruaryAugust 4, 2026: File petitions by 4 p.m.
- OctoberApril 6, 2026: File pre-electionprimary-finance report.
- May–October 2026: Campaign district-wide; file pre-general report (~October 3).
- November 3, 2026: Election Day.
- January 2027: Take office.
Ohio-Specific Resources
- Ohio Secretary of State: Main hub for election information, forms, and deadlines.
www.ohio.gov/elections/ - County Boards of Elections: Verify signatures and district-specific rules.
[SOS County Directory](https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/elections/](https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/elections-offices/ounty-boards-of-election-directory/) - Ohio Campaign Finance Handbook: Campaign finance rules.
www.ohiosos.gov/campaign-finance/ - Ohio State Board of Education: Insights into board responsibilities and district map.
www.education.ohio.gov - Ohio Department of Education and Workforce: Education policies and data.
www.education.ohio.gov - Voter Lookup: Confirm registration and district.
Voter Lookup Tool
Since board districts are large, confirm your district boundaries and filing requirements with the Secretary of State or county board(s) early to ensure compliance.