School Board Elections

2025 School Board Elections

Get on Board horizontal logo Interested in serving on your K–12 or community college school board?

The Iowa Association of School Boards^® (IASB^®) provides information for community members who are interested in serving on their local K–12 or community college school board. School board members are elected by their local communities in an election held the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November in odd-numbered years.

IASB develops a toolkit each election cycle that can help interested citizens understand school boards in Iowa and their role, qualifications and steps to become a school board candidate, rewards of school board service and more. Invest in the future—get on board.

School board members are elected by their local communities in an election held the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November in odd-numbered years. The next few regular school elections will take place on the following dates:

Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025
Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2027

IASB's Get on Board Elections Toolkit

NOW AVAILABLE! Check out IASB's Get on Board Elections Toolkit, which includes:

Board Secretary Checklist
Guide for School Board Candidates
Key Dates
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Educational Opportunities for School Board Candidates & New Board Members
Sample Questions for Candidate Forums
Board Member Testimonials
Informational Animated Video—Filing Basics 101
Sample Press Release—Seeking Candidates
BoardCon Registration for Newly Elected Board Members FAQ

Iowa Secretary of State's School Elections Resources

Visit the Iowa Secretary of State's (SOS) school elections website for a variety of resources including:

Candidate's Guide
Affidavit of Candidacy
Nomination Petition
Community College Board Nomination Petition
School Secretary's Guide
School Secretary Planning Worksheet

Iowa Board of Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Resources

Visit the Iowa Board of Ethics and Campaign Disclosure website for information on topics including:

Political advertising disclaimers
Permitted and prohibited corporate activity
Independent expenditures/in-kind contributions
Duties of a committee treasurer
Civil penalties
Out-of-state contributions
Prohibition in use of public funds for political purposes
Guidelines for campaign fundraising

Candidate Webinars

Running for the School Board 101—Essential Tips for School Board Candidates

Air Date: Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025

Watch Recording

In this initial webinar, candidates unpack what serving on a school board entails and how to prepare for meaningful board leadership. IASB staff share practical insights about the authority of the board, common misperceptions about the role of the board, essential factors that impact school finance, and expectations for board work. We examine critical information that impacts decision-making for candidates and offer options to access and utilize this knowledge. The session concludes with a glimpse into candidate filing details and a sneak preview of upcoming IASB webinars for candidates who want to dig deeper into these and related topics of interest. Webinar recording now available!

Presentation PDF
2025 Guide for Iowa School Board Candidates

Legal & Ethical Campaigns for the School Board

Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, Noon–1 p.m.

Watch Recording

Did you know that failure to comply with Iowa Ethics Campaign Finance Disclosure Laws (Chapters 68A and 68B) can result in fines and other penalties? School board candidates must comply with these laws, which include guidance for contributions, committees, printed materials, expenditures, and more. Watch as IASB staff and experienced attorneys dig into conflict of interest and gift laws in Iowa Code, key dates, FAQs, and share tips for candidates as you campaign for election. Webinar recording now available!

Presentation PDF

The Building Blocks of Financial Advocacy

Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, Noon–1 p.m.

Register Now

In this webinar, IASB School Finance and Government Relations experts will provide a clear overview of Iowa's property tax system, including how property values are assessed, how tax rates are determined, and where the money goes. Participants will also learn about recent proposed changes in legislation and the key stakeholders in the tax process. Leave equipped to effectively engage in property tax advocacy!

Student Learning—Do Boards Really Make a Difference?

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, Noon–1 p.m.

Register Now

Why, yes, they do! Most board members say they ran for the board to give back and to make a difference for students. But what does it take to make that happen? This conversation focuses on the skills, beliefs, and actions of board members that are linked to improved student learning. We also talk about challenges and tips to help keep the focus on the main thing at the board table—ensuring high and equitable learning for all students.

Ready, Set, Govern! New Board Member Onboarding Workshops

Multiple Dates & Locations

Our interactive Ready, Set, Govern! workshops are designed to set you on the road to success. During each of these workshops, we will cover foundational elements of good governance, such as understanding the governance roles of the board, management roles of the superintendent, and tips for fostering good communication to support an effective board-superintendent team partnership. We’ll also review policy and explore strategies for responding to questions or concerns from community members, families, and staff. The application of engaging real-life scenarios will provide the opportunity to apply what we’ve learned and deepen your understanding of the vital nature of your governance work. All regional workshops will run from 5:30–8 p.m., with a meal provided at 5 p.m.

We’re thrilled to offer regional workshops hosted by various districts/AEAs across the state:

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025: PreCon Workshop (offered at BoardCon), Iowa Events Center
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025: Forest City Schools
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025: Fort Dodge Schools
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025: Northwest AEA in Sioux City
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025: Sioux Center Schools
Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025: Emmetsburg Schools
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025: Marshalltown Schools
Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026: Chariton Schools
Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026: Van Meter Schools
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026: Mississippi Bend AEA in Bettendorf
Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026: Mount Pleasant Schools
Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026: Clear Creek Amana Schools
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026: Corning/Southwest Valley Schools
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026: Glenwood Schools
Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026: Carroll Schools
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026: Decorah Schools
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026: Oelwein Schools

For questions, email Jen Woodley.

Key Dates for 2025 School Board Elections

If you are preparing for the fall school board elections, these key dates can help.

Monday, Aug. 25: Candidate filing begins.
Thursday, Sept. 18: Candidate filing deadline by 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 23: Candidate withdrawal deadline by 5 p.m. (last day for candidates to withdraw by filing a written request with the school secretary).
Tuesday, Nov. 4: School election day. Polls are open from 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 10 or Wednesday, Nov. 12: Tier 1 canvass of votes for all school districts: first Monday or Wednesday after the election, unless these dates fall on a legal holiday, then it pushes back one day. This is the only and final election canvass for school districts located within one county.
Monday, Nov. 17 or Wednesday, Nov. 19: Tier 2 canvass of votes for districts whose boundary lines fall within multiple counties: second Monday or Wednesday after the election, unless these dates fall on a legal holiday, then it pushes back one day. This is the second and final election canvass for those districts.
Dates vary: No date is legally specified for the organizational meeting. It is the first regular meeting or a special meeting held before the first regular meeting following the final canvass. During this meeting, the board organizes for the new term.

Review the differences between an Annual Meeting and Organizational Meeting and when these meetings should take place with the school elections change from September to November in odd-numbered years.

Why School Board Members Serve

IASB asked current Iowa school board members why they serve on their local boards. While we found there are many reasons why they are willing to give their time and commitment to serve their communities, there is one that remains consistent no matter who you ask—they serve to make a difference for the children in their district.

“I found early on in my American journey that serving one's community is a great way to belong, so I found ways to be involved in every community I lived in from then on, serving in a variety of ways. The opportunity to influence the educational outcomes and personal growth of students in your community alone is reason enough and ultimately the most important. Being associated with such dedicated professionals is humbling.”

Armel Traore dit Nignan, Board Member, Waukee Schools

“I have always believed that education is the foundation for a successful life and career. From PK–12, we lead and govern the people and systems that give our students opportunities with lifelong impact. Serving your community as a school board member provides many intangible rewards. Yes, you put in a lot of hours for which you do not get paid a dime, but if you are a service minded leader who cares about the education of all students in your community, it is absolutely worth it!”

Chad Crabb, Board Member, Southeast Polk Schools & Board Member, Iowa Association of School Boards^®

“For me, serving as a school board member is an opportunity to advocate on behalf of those who may otherwise feel unheard and unrepresented in district decisions. Working toward having diverse school boards is important because the experiences of minority and underrepresented groups can be so different from that of others. Having a seat and a voice at the table provides these groups the opportunity to give input on the decisions that affect our students and community.”

Nate Gruber, Board Member, Cedar Falls Schools

“I serve on the public school board to honor the legacy of my mother, who dedicated her time to local school boards when I was a child. Her commitment to education instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to our community. My goal is to leave our community better than I found it by advocating for every child, regardless of their economic status or learning deficits. I envision our school district as a beacon of hope and opportunity, where every student can thrive and reach their fullest potential. Our district's motto, 'All in for All Kids,' embodies our unwavering dedication to inclusivity and excellence.

I am passionate about supporting those who choose to enter the teaching profession, especially public school teachers who are asked to do more every year with less. Their dedication and resilience inspire me daily. Together, we can ensure they have the resources and support they need to create a nurturing and empowering environment for our students. By working together, we can build a brighter future for all children and make our community a place where dreams are realized.”

Ruthina Malone, Board Member, Iowa City Schools & Board Member, Iowa Association of School Boards^®

“I want to be a part of the planning and strategy to help deliver a quality learning experience for everyone in our building. Being of service to the district is very rewarding when you can see construction projects finished and when you see students graduate and move onto their next steps. Sometimes we forget as a board the impact we have on students and families. When we remember why we are here and who we serve it makes the job so much easier.”

Nate Clayberg, Board Member, Jesup Schools

“I serve on my local school board because I believe education is the foundation for thriving communities. I understand how essential quality schools are to a community's success and growth. As a parent of three children entering middle school, it’s important to me to stay informed about the needs of our district and contribute to its progress. By serving on the board, I can help ensure that our schools have the resources they need to continue succeeding, while also giving back to the community that has given so much to my family.”

Sheri Penney, Board Member, Osage Schools & Board Member, Iowa Association of School Boards^®