SAMPLE NEWS RELEASE:  Candidacy Information Available

Place on district letterhead

			FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  [District spokesperson]  

	  [NAME OF DISTRICT]  SCHOOL BOARD ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY INFORMATION

[Month, date, year] —The [Name of district] School District has information available for citizens interested in running for the board of education.

The [Name of district] Board of Education will have [number] vacancies in the April 20, 2021 Annual School Election,         [spokesperson’s name]    ,   [a spokesperson for the school board], announced today.  A full term on the school board runs for three years.  [In addition, note vacancies for one-year or two-year unexpired terms.]

A candidate must file a nominating petition with the school district business administrator for his or her name to appear on the ballot during the April Annual School Election. The deadline to submit the nominating petition is 4:00 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2021.  The election is scheduled for Tuesday, April 20, 2021. 

Prospective school board candidates can download candidate information from the New Jersey School Boards Association’s web site at NJSBA School Board Candidate Kit. The School Board Candidate Kit includes information about nominating petitions, legal qualifications for school board candidacy, and the role of the school board member.  Information about the New Jersey School Ethics Act and important dates in the school election process are also included.

“One of the most meaningful contributions that citizens can make to their community is serving on the local board of education,” said Michael McClure, NJSBA president.  “I encourage all interested citizens to consider school board membership. It doesn’t require a degree in education, or a background in politics. However, it does require a sincere interest in the community, its children, and their education.”