The length of an elected school board member’s term can range from two to six years. The term length depends on the district.
Term lengths will vary depending on the specific state and school district. For example, California and Michigan school board members serve four-year terms. Other states, including Texas and Florida, have terms of two or three years.
In some districts, board members serve staggered terms. This means that only some members of the board are up for election at any given time. This allows for continuity and helps to ensure that new board members are not all elected or replaced at the same time.
Board members are often term-limited, but this depends on the district. Having term limits help encourage turnover and to prevent board members from becoming too entrenched and unaccountable to the public.
Serving on a school board is a significant time commitment. It’s more than just showing up for an occasional meeting. Of course, the size of the district and the issues facing the board will determine the total amount of work required of members.