For candidates who run for school board, one of the most effective tools for connecting with voters is through school board candidate statements. While a candidate bio is about the candidate’s past and present, a candidate statement is designed to be personal and persuasive to voters. They focus on the candidate’s ideas, values, and goals for the future.
Before we look at the examples, let’s examine the elements that go into writing a powerful school board candidate statement.
Introduction:
Start with a brief introduction of yourself. Include your name and the position you’re running for, including the district name.
Professional and Personal Experience:
Highlight your work experience. Emphasize any experience you have in education, teaching, dealing with youth, or community roles. Outline your educational qualifications. Emphasize any specific training or expertise you have in educational policy, child development, or school administration.
Your Platform and Issues:
Clearly state your campaign platform, focusing on the specific issues facing your district. They can be specific problems or even opportunities that are should be pursued. Explain plainly how you’ll address these issues. Share your unique vision for the school board when you join it. Outline your goals and what plan to do improve schools and support students.
Avoid the usual talking points and buzzwords. Too many important issues are boiled down to short quotes and slogans. Voter value authenticity from candidates who really care about policy and are genuine.
Closing Remarks:
Finish your statement with a short summary and reminder for voters to support you in making a positive impact on their schools and their children’s education.
Call to Action:
Encourage people to support your campaign and vote for you. Remind them when to vote, especially if that date is not on the general election.
Examples of School Board Candidate Statements
My name is Brian Jones. I am running for the Highland School Board. It’s an important time to get involved in school board elections. This is true even if you don’t have children in the district. Our schools, once safe havens for learning, are facing new challenges. The radical changes you hear about in education nationally are happening right here.
I want an education system that encourages intellectual growth and critical thinking. Children should learn how to think independently, not just what to think. It’s vital that education remains free from agendas of all types. These agendas can undermine our national pride, childhood innocence, and parental rights.
As a candidate, I am focused on guiding our district towards these values. We must protect our children’s educational environment from bias and hidden agendas.
For more details about my platform and background, please visit my website at ______. Your vote is crucial. It’s a decision that will shape the future direction of our schools. Let’s ensure our education system remains a positive force in our country’s future. Your choice at the polls this fall is a statement about the education and values we want for our children.
Another example:
Hello, I’m Sarah Espita. I am a candidate for the Greater District School Board. My experience spans over thirty years in business leadership. I’ve worked for both large and small organizations, including running my own business. This experience equips me with skills essential for leadership on the school board.
Currently, our district faces several challenges.
These challenges include decreasing student numbers and supporting a new superintendent. My role will involve facilitating open communication channels between the superintendent, the school board, and the community.
Focusing on student wellness is also a priority. I am dedicated to advocating for programs that foster more than just academic achievement. These programs will support the overall well-being of our students. This includes providing mental health resources and offering a range of extracurricular activities.
My campaign is not driven by a political agenda. It is rooted in my experience as a professional and as a parent of three children.
I seek your support in this endeavor. Together, we can tackle the challenges facing our schools. We can work towards a future where every student thrives.
Another example:
I am Lisa Silvano, and I am running for the School Board of Education. The election is on May 17th, and your vote matters. I’m a parent of two children in the district and a committed community member. My experience in contract writing and financial negotiation will be invaluable for policy writing and handling fiscal responsibilities.
I believe in practical, common-sense solutions. These solutions address problems directly and efficiently. My top priorities include:
- Parental rights in education.
- Ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment.
- Fiscal responsibility.
We should teach our children to think for themselves while respecting rules and each other. Success comes from prioritizing what truly impacts and empowers our children. They must be prepared to contribute productively to society.
Our slogan is simple: Our Children, Our Choice, Our Future. Your support on May 17th will help shape a bright future for our children and our community.
Conclusion
A powerful candidate statement will go a long way toward staking your positions and putting yourself out there for voters.
