By: First State Educate
Delaware’s school board elections on Tuesday, May 13 are right around the corner. Despite the direct impact on students, educators, and families across our state, these elections continue to receive little attention and suffer from strikingly low voter turnout — largely due to barriers that prevent Delawareans from exercising their right to make decisions about their own communities. Unlike general elections, school board elections happen on the second Tuesday in May, outside of when most people are tuned into “election season” conversations. To add to the confusion, many Delawareans don’t realize that they do not need to be a registered voter to participate and school board polling locations may differ from where locations used in state or federal elections.
These are just a few examples of why school districts across the state struggle to reach a mere 10% voter turnout, and many remain well below 5%. When only a small percentage of the community votes, a handful of people end up deciding who sits on a school board—impacting school policies, budgets, and ultimately, student success. Whether you have kids in school now or not, if you care about the future of our state, school board elections are your chance to make a real difference.
Evaluating Candidates — Especially Incumbents — Matters
With consistently low voter turnout, school board elections can be decided by just a handful of votes. Last year, Colonial School District’s race was decided by 12 votes, underscoring just how important every single vote is. But voting alone isn’t enough — understanding who you’re voting for is just as important.
For incumbents running for reelection, consider their record:
- Have they prioritized student achievement?
- Have they engaged with families, teachers, and the broader community?
- Have they made informed, responsible decisions that benefit students?
- Have they demonstrated leadership and helped build a strong, effective board?
For new candidates, think about their readiness to lead:
- Do they understand the role of a school board member and how it differs from other leadership positions?
- Are they committed to learning and working collaboratively with educators, parents, and fellow board members?
- Do they bring a thoughtful, student-centered approach to school governance?
Serving on a school board is a responsibility that requires knowledge, preparation, and a commitment to doing what’s best for students. Candidates who understand the complexities of education governance and are willing to learn and grow in the role will be better equipped to serve their communities.
First State Educate Candidate Training: A Resource for Those Stepping Up to Lead
To support those running for school board, First State Educate is offering a four-part Candidate Training Boot Camp.
This training helps candidates:
- Understand the role and responsibilities of a school board member.
- Learn how to make data-informed decisions that improve student achievement.
- Develop skills for effective communication and public engagement.
- Get out the vote and build community support for their candidacy.
If you or someone you know is running for a school board seat, this training is an opportunity to gain the knowledge and confidence needed to serve effectively.
Get Involved: Candidate Forums & Voter Education
To help voters make informed choices, First State Educate is partnering with other nonprofits to host statewide candidate forums. These forums allow the community to hear directly from candidates, ask important questions, and learn more about candidates’ vision for their district. Mark your calendars for your school district’s candidate forum. Attend a forum or webinar to learn about the candidates in your district.
Unable to attend a forum or looking for more ways to learn about the candidates running in your district? Research candidates online and check out voter education resources like VoteDelaware.org, a one-stop voter information hub featuring candidate questionnaires to help you learn more about where candidates land on the issues that matter most to you.
Make a Voting Plan
Remember: the best way to prepare to vote on Tuesday, May 13 is by making a plan!
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday May 13.
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You can vote at ANY designated polling place in your school district.
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You do NOT need to be a registered voter to participate in school board elections. You must:
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Be a citizen of the United States and resident of Delaware;
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Live in the school district for which the election is being conducted; and
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Be 18 years of age on or before the day of the election.
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For more election information like how to request an absentee ballot or find polling places in your district, visit the Delaware Department of Elections website at elections.delaware.gov.
School board members make decisions that affect students, teachers, and families every day. Your vote helps shape the leadership that will guide our schools and ensure our communities are represented by strong, informed, and student-focused leaders.
Grab your friends and neighbors and we’ll see you at the polls!
To learn more about First State Educate's school board elections , visit firststateeducate.org.
