As all Evanstonians know, members of the District 65 and District 202 school boards make many important decisions that affect our children’s education and wellbeing. Our school boards provide leadership regarding academic policies, budgeting decisions, teacher contracts and the culture of our schools.
But here’s the good news: You don’t need to be an expert in education to make a difference. What you need is a commitment to the well-being of our children, a passion for improving the educational experience, a desire to have your voice heard and a willingness to listen to the concerns of other community members. Our school boards need representation from parents, community members and others who bring fresh perspectives, personal experience and a sense of connection to the issues that impact students daily.
Our schools face many difficult and persistent challenges. For example, District 65 is facing persistent achievement gaps between white students and students of color, falling enrollment and budget shortfalls. District 202 is facing continuing inequities in achievement in language arts and math, racial disproportionality in disciplinary incidents and actions and concerns regarding post-high school opportunities and outcomes for all students.
Both districts are challenged to meet students’ mental health needs and ensure that all students feel safe and supported at school. These are complex issues that require thoughtful input from a range of residents who are willing to represent not only their own views, but the views of those in our community who do not always have a voice at the tables where decisions are made.
Many of us are currently involved in get-out-the-vote efforts for this November’s election, so it is easy to overlook the fact that the next school board elections will take place on April 1, 2025. And it is important to note that the deadlines for petition circulation and filing for the upcoming April 1, 2025 Consolidated Election have changed.
Starting Aug. 20, candidates could begin circulating nominating petitions for signatures. Nominating forms can be found on page 52 of the 2025 Candidates’ Guide, available from the Illinois State Board of Elections.
The first day petitions can be filed is Tuesday, Nov. 12, and the last day of filing is Monday, Nov. 18 at the local county clerk’s office. This filing period is earlier than previous elections due to a change in election law (Public Act 103-600).
The Illinois Association of School Boards’ website has a variety of resources to assist potential candidates, including key dates and information about running for school board. It is hosting a series of webinars on how to navigate running for school board. The webinars are live-streamed and open to the public. The first webinar in the series takes place at noon on Sept. 12 and will cover the topic of petition circulation.
If you’ve thought about running yourself, or you know someone else who you think could make a contribution as a school board member, now is the time to get started. Your involvement could help ensure that all Evanston young people are prepared to maximize their potential, follow and build upon their passions and lead choice-filled lives.
Shelley Gates, former chair of career and technical education at ETHS
Letter to the editor: Please consider running for school board is from Evanston RoundTable, Evanston's most trusted source for unbiased, in-depth journalism.