School Board Election Candidate Kit
April 21, 2026 Election
Consider School Board Candidacy!
“The work of a school board has become increasingly complex, but members are never expected to navigate it without support. Established by the New Jersey Legislature in 1914, NJSBA is New Jersey’s only authorized association whose sole mission is to train, assist, and represent the state’s local boards of education. The New Jersey School Boards Association offers both mandatory and advanced training, along with comprehensive legal, labor, policy, and governance support—ensuring board members are well-prepared to make informed decisions, lead with confidence, and serve their communities in the best interests of students and the local boards they govern.”
– Michael Jacobs, President, New Jersey School Boards Association
NJSBA has done its best to have the most accurate information on the April 2026 annual school board election. Pending legislation may affect the current information. NJSBA will make every effort to update the information if necessary as soon as it becomes available.
Notice About Nominating Petitions
IMPORTANT NOTICE: A-5117, a bill that increases the number of signatures needed on a nominating petition for a board of education election from 10 to 25 signatures, was signed by the Governor Murphy on Feb. 3, 2025. The requirement is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025, and all future elections must nclude 25 signatures.
We encourage candidates to read the full language of A5117
Sample Petitions
Board candidates are reminded that some county clerks require the use of a county-specific nominating petition and other forms. Candidates should contact their county clerk for details concerning the proper form(s) to use for candidacy in the April 2026 school board elections, and for details about filing procedures and any new developments in signature collection and other filing requirements. NJ County Clerk Contact information. The deadline for submission of the 2026 April school board election nominating petitions to the district business administrator for both individual and joint filings is March 2, 2026, 4 p.m.
The required number of signatures on a nominating petition for a board of education election is 25; however, extra space is provided on the samples below for optional additional signatures.
Sample Nominating Petition Individual April 2026
Sample Nominating Petition_Joint_April_2026
Important Current Information
How to Become a School Board Member and Frequently Asked Questions (The information contained herein is based upon information available as of July 30, 2025. Any changes to the school election process, including applicable dates, will be posted on the NJSBA’s website as necessary.)
DOE Annual School District Budget 2026
DOE School Election Chronological Calendar 2026
DOE Office of Fiscal Policy and Planning Dates for 2026 School Election and Budget Procedure
District Sample Press Release 2026
Vote Poster – April 2026
Vote Poster Annual Election – April 2026
Important Background Information
Electronic Process for the Collection of Petition Signatures
On July 1, 2020, Gov. Murphy signed into law P.L.2020, c. 55 that would provide for an electronic process for the collection of petition signatures and their submission for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. On Jan. 25, 2021, Murphy issued Executive Order 216, which clarified electronic filing procedures for the upcoming November elections. Please contact the county clerk for filing details.
Change of Date for School Board Elections
A 2012 law, P.L.2012, c. 78, gives communities the option to change the date of the school board member elections from the third Tuesday in April to the General Election in November. Although the majority of school districts have changed to November school elections, please check with your local board of education office to confirm the date of the 2025 school election in your community.
Individual and Joint Filing of Petitions
Legislation enacted in 2018 permits board of education candidates to circulate nominating petitions jointly and to be bracketed together on the ballot. Below are two sample petitions: one for an individual filing and one for joint filing.
Email addresses – A 2018 statute requires that a nominating petition for any state, county, school, or municipal elective public office include a functioning email address for the candidate.
Circular for Petitions
On March 31, 2014, the Honorable Mary Jacobson, A.J.S.C., Assignment Judge of Mercer County, issued an opinion and order in the case of Empower Our Neighborhood, et al. v. Guadagno, et al. The order states, in part, that a circulator for school board nomination petitions is not required to be a registered voter or resident of the jurisdiction of the candidate, but must otherwise be eligible to vote in New Jersey. Attorney General’s Ruling
Information & Programs for School Board Candidates
Criminal History Records Check
Board members must complete a criminal history record check through the New Jersey Department of Education within 30 days of election or appointment. The 30-day period commences upon the certification of election results or upon confirmation of the appointment.
Campaign Reporting Requirements
Contacting the Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC)
- All candidates for school board office must comply with the provisions of the New Jersey Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting Act. For further information and downloadable reporting forms, contact the ELEC.
- 2026 Reporting Dates (ELEC)
- Phone: (609) 292–8700
What School Board Candidates Should Know About Campaign Finance Information and Disclosure
The work of a school board has become increasingly complex, but rest assured, if you’re elected or appointed to your school board, you won’t ‘go it alone.’ NJSBA is New Jersey’s only service organization whose sole mission is to train, assist and represent the state’s local boards of education. With the New Jersey School Boards Association offering support and training, you will find your term of service on your district board extremely rewarding.”
School board candidates, like others seeking elected office, must comply with New Jersey’s campaign finance laws. In this webinar we will discuss the information that needs to be maintained and disclosed, as well as the dates for submitting reports. We will also discuss some of the nuances concerning the receipt of contributions and the expenses associated with campaigns.
CHECK IT OUT…WEBINARS ON BEING A SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER
NJSBA’s 3Rs: Roles, Responsibilities and Resources
For more information and questions, contact Ann Marie Smith, NJSBA Communications Department at amsmith@njsba.org.