8 Things to Know Before Running for Local Office
September 27, 2023
Join the GoodParty.org Community on Circle
JoinRun for Local School Board in San Francisco Unified School District, CA
Election Date: Nov 3, 2026Filing Deadline: Aug 7, 2026
Election Details
- Office level: local
- Length of term: 4 years
- Commitment level: Part Time
- Affiliation: nonpartisan
- Typical salary: $6,000
- Is this a runoff election? No
- Is this a primary election? No
- Filing period: Jul 13, 2026 - Aug 7, 2026
- Positions: San Francisco Board of Education - At Large
Job description
The San Francisco Board of Education is comprised of seven members elected at large to serve on behalf of the San Francisco Unified School District, the seventh largest school district in California. The Board determines policy for all public schools, from kindergarten through twelfth grade, in the San Francisco Unified School District, City and County of San Francisco. The board of education is responsible for establishing educational goals and standards; approving curriculum; setting the district budget, which is independent of the city's budget; confirming appointment of all personnel; and approving purchases of equipment, supplies, services, leases, renovation, construction, and union contracts. In order to manage the day-to-day administration of the district, the San Francisco Board of Education appoints a superintendent of schools. Board members serve four-year terms with no limit on the number of terms served. The salary of this position is $6,000 per year.
Eligibility requirements
School boards are nonpartisan. Candidates for boards are not required to belong to a political party. In California, you may be elected or appointed to a governing board of a school district if you are: > 18 years of age or older; > a citizen of the state; > a resident of the school district; > a registered voter; and > not disqualified by the constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office. An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district's governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment automatically terminates upon being sworn into office. Any registered voter is eligible to be a member of the county board of education except the county superintendent of schools, any member of his or her staff, or any employee of a school district in that county.
Filing instructions
Filing office address: 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl, San Francisco, CA 94102
Filing phone number: 415-554-4375
Paperwork instructions: Submit paperwork to the Director of Elections' office.
Filing requirements: Candidates must fill out a "declaration of candidacy" form. In most cases, this must be picked up and filed at the county elections office. In a few counties, it's possible to get forms at local school district administration offices. According to the state Elections Code, declaration of candidacy forms must be filed during a period extending from 113 days to 88 days before the election is to be held. For November elections, candidate filing takes place for several weeks during the summer. Candidates should consult the county elections office to determine whether or not filing fees or nominating signatures are required. Occasionally a school district election is influenced by a city charter and filing procedures may vary somewhat. There is usually a fee if a candidate wishes to have a candidate statement printed in the voter's guide distributed to all local voters. A few school districts pay for the printing of this statement for all candidates to their board.
FAQ
How often is Local School Board elected?
The position of Local School Board is typically elected every 4 years.
What does it mean for an election to be nonpartisan?
Nonpartisan elections do not require candidates to declare a party affiliation.
What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in San Francisco Unified School District, CA?
Candidates must fill out a "declaration of candidacy" form. In most cases, this must be picked up and filed at the county elections office. In a few counties, it's possible to get forms at local school district administration offices. According to the state Elections Code, declaration of candidacy forms must be filed during a period extending from 113 days to 88 days before the election is to be held. For November elections, candidate filing takes place for several weeks during the summer. Candidates should consult the county elections office to determine whether or not filing fees or nominating signatures are required. Occasionally a school district election is influenced by a city charter and filing procedures may vary somewhat. There is usually a fee if a candidate wishes to have a candidate statement printed in the voter's guide distributed to all local voters. A few school districts pay for the printing of this statement for all candidates to their board.
Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?
Submit paperwork to the Director of Elections' office.
Where is the filing office?
1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl, San Francisco, CA 94102.
How can I get in touch with the filing office?
You can contact the filing office by calling 415-554-4375.
How do I get started running for Local School Board?
You can start running for Local School Board by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!
Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?
The next election for Local School Board does not include a primary or runoff election.
Free tools for independent candidates
Get free AI-powered tools to accelerate your campaign strategy. GoodParty.org's AI Campaign Manager lets you track your progress toward key voter outreach goals, instantly generate custom campaign materials, and get access to a nationwide network of grassroots volunteers. Get a free demo today to see how the AI Campaign Manager can streamline your campaign strategy.
Get a free demo
GoodParty.org AI can help you
- Generate engaging content in seconds
- Refine your campaign strategy with voter data
- Recruit volunteers and fill key campaign roles
Try the AI campaign manager today
Get started
Explore elections in your community
Find elections at the State, County or City level
