Voters go to the polls on April 21, 2026, in 13 school districts for their annual school board elections.
Rate of Candidacy
This year there are 61 candidates running for 32 seats on school boards of education who hold their annual election in April. The ratio of candidates per open seat is 1.91.
This represents a slight decrease from 2025, when 66 candidates filed petitions to run for the 34 school board positions on the ballot. The ratio of candidates per open seats was 1.94.
Districts that hold April elections may propose a school construction question on the ballot. Under the Educational Facilities and Construction and Financing Act of 2000, the state will fund at least 40% of eligible school construction costs through annual debt service aid. NJSBA has learned of no proposed construction questions for the April 2026 school board election.
One school district, Weehawken in Hudson County, is proposing a tax levy question for vote.
Hudson County
Weehawken
The Board of Education of the Township of Weehawken in the County of Hudson shall raise an additional $1,997,500 from taxes over the amount raised for the current (2026-2027) annual school budget for general fund operating expenses. The proposal requests public funding for teachers, staff, and resources for the Woodrow Wilson School. In addition, this proposal will fund district-wide facilities and programs throughout all elementary schools and address increases in health benefits. Approval of these taxes will result in a permanent increase to the district’s tax levy. These expenditures are part of those required to achieve the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Do you approve this proposal?
Historical information on annual school elections and school construction proposals in New Jersey is available on the NJSBA website.
