The next school board election in Illinois will be held April 6, 2027.
Local boards of education play an important role in Illinois public education. School board members are locally elected citizens who help establish the direction of their school district, employ and evaluate the superintendent, approve budgets and policies, and provide governance and oversight on behalf of their communities.
If you have an interest in serving your community as a member of your local board of education, the process for becoming a candidate for the April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election is now underway.
Who Can Serve on a School Board?
Generally, an Illinois school board candidate must, as of the date of the election:
Be a United States citizen;
Be at least 18 years old;
Be a registered voter;
Have lived in Illinois and within the school district for at least one year immediately preceding the election;
Not be a regional school trustee; and
Meet other eligibility requirements established by Illinois law.
Some school districts also have geographic requirements governing where board members may reside. Prospective candidates should verify the requirements that apply to their particular school district before beginning the candidate process.
Important Dates for 2027
August 25, 2026 — First day to circulate nominating petitions
November 16, 2026 — First day to file school board nomination papers
November 23, 2026 — Last day to file school board nomination papers
April 6, 2027 — Consolidated Election
How Do I Become a Candidate?
1. Determine your eligibility and the seats to be elected.
Confirm that you meet the legal qualifications to serve and determine whether your school district has any special residency or geographic requirements for board membership.
2. Obtain a school board candidate packet.
Candidate materials are available through the appropriate County Clerk's Office and through resources provided by the Illinois State Board of Elections.
For school board elections, candidates generally file in the county where the school district's main office is located. This is particularly important for school districts that cross county lines.
3. Circulate your nominating petitions.
Candidates may begin circulating petitions on August 25, 2026.
For most boards of education, Illinois law requires petitions to be signed by at least 50 voters or 10% of the voters residing within the district, whichever is less.
Candidates are responsible for making certain their petitions and signatures comply with Illinois election law.
4. Complete the required candidate documents.
Candidate filings generally include:
Nominating petition sheets;
Statement of Candidacy; and
Documentation associated with the required Statement of Economic Interests.
An optional Loyalty Oath is also available.
Candidates should carefully review the 2027 Candidate's Guide published by the Illinois State Board of Elections before circulating and filing petitions.
5. File your nomination papers.
School board candidate nomination papers must be filed during the statutory filing period of:
November 16–23, 2026
Filing is generally made with the County Clerk in the county where the main office of the school district is located.
Candidate Resources for the ROE 30 Region
Prospective candidates in Alexander, Jackson, Perry, Pulaski and Union counties may contact the appropriate County Clerk's Office for candidate packets, filing instructions and local election information.
Alexander County Clerk & Recorder
2000 Washington Avenue
Cairo, IL 62914
618-734-7000
Jackson County Clerk & Recorder
Murphysboro, IL
School board candidate packets are available through the County Clerk's Office.
3764 State Routes 13-127, Room 204
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
618-357-5116
500 Illinois Avenue
Mound City, IL 62963
618-748-9360
309 W. Market Street, Room 116
Jonesboro, IL 62952
618-833-5711
Statewide Resources
The Illinois State Board of Elections provides the official 2027 Candidate's Guide, election calendar, candidate forms and additional information for individuals seeking public office.
The Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) also provides resources for individuals considering school board service, including information about the role, responsibilities and expectations of a board member.
Serving Your Community
School board service is an important form of local public service. Board members make decisions affecting students, employees, taxpayers and the future of their communities. Individuals considering candidacy are encouraged to learn about the responsibilities of board service as well as the legal requirements for becoming a candidate.
Please note: The Regional Office of Education #30 provides this information for general educational purposes. ROE #30 does not administer school board candidate filings. Prospective candidates are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable election laws and should consult the appropriate County Clerk and the Illinois State Board of Elections for official candidate filing requirements.