Local
What a school board does
The local education legislature: budget, superintendent, and policy for one district. They do not set the state’s funding formula or write federal education law.
Sep 10, 2026 · 5 min read · WhyIVote civic explainer
The office
School board members (trustees) are usually elected by district residents. They hire the superintendent, adopt the district budget, and set policy the staff must follow — curriculum frameworks within state standards, calendars, and facilities.
State education departments and legislatures still control funding formulas, statewide tests, and teacher-licensure statutes.
What they can change
- District budget priorities: class size, buildings, programs — within revenue the state and local taxes provide.
- Superintendent hire and fire.
- Local policy: discipline, some curriculum choices, school calendars.
Money they vote on
The school district budget. Local property-tax levies or bond issues often need voter approval. Federal Title funds come with rules. A board cannot rewrite the state aid formula.
Who they can help — and who they cannot
Parents and students in that district. They cannot run the county hospital, rezone a mall, or change SAT federal policy. Charter and private schools follow different statutes.
