CANDIDATE RESOURCES
Key DateS & RESOURCES
Although there are a list of dates and requirements, don’t stress! Several non-partisan groups in Wisconsin offer free support services, such as the League of Women Voters and the Wisconsin Public Education Network.
Need inspiration? Run For Something explains why it’s so important to run for school board and they have some good resources too.
November 14, 2024: Clerks publish Notice of Election. This is published on the KMSD website here with other information regarding ballot access and campaign finance reporting.
January 7, 2025, 5pm: LAST DAY to “File Candidacy” with the School District Clerk. What you need to file: a Declaration of Candidacy and a Campaign Finance Registration Statement. Turn in the papers to the District Office in Wales (behind Culver’s).
January 15, 2025: File a January Continuing Campaign Finance report if your committee registered before December 31, 2023 and if you are not exempt from filing (committees that have combined contributions and expenditures of less than $2,500 are exempt from filing this report)
February 10, 2025: File a Pre-Primary Campaign Finance Report covering contributions and expenditures for January 1 through Feb 3 2025, if there is a primary and if your campaign exceeds $2,499
February 18, 2025: Primary Election (ONLY if needed). There will only be a primary if there are more than four candidates.
March 24, 2025: File a Pre-Election Campaign Finance Report covering contributions and expenditures for Feb 4 through March 17, 2025 if your campaign exceeds $2,499
April 1, 2025: Election Day
April 28, 2025: Take oath of office
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Important information from KMSD can be found here including the required forms and other key dates. We outlined them above as well.
Election laws mandate that all forms, whether mailed or personally delivered, must arrive at the Kettle Moraine District Office prior to 5:00 pm on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. PLEASE NOTE: The district office will be closed December 22nd – January 1 st .
Some additional resources are provided below:
What are the roles and responsibilities of a WI school board member? Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) has all the answers for you and lots of resources, including sample documents
Want to talk to current or former school board members to hear about the position? Wisconsin Public Education Network will arrange 1:1 meetings for you.
Are you a former or current educator? You have a terrific perspective to bring to the School Board and to keep kids the center of your decisions. WEAC has specific resources for you!
Wisconsin Elections Commission (this is not an easy page, but you can do it!)
ADVOCACY & SUPPORT
After reviewing the materials, if you'd like to let the KEttle MORAINE ALLIANCE know that you're considering running as a nonpartisan candidate OR IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE RESOURCES, please reach out.
we want to SEE TWO non-partisan candidates on the ballot and to win over the 2 partisan INCUMBENTS.
Any outreach to KM Alliance regarding candidacy for school board should be made prior to any submission for candidacy. We cannot and will not discuss any advocacy for these roles after the candidate filing deadline.
School Boards Work Best When Operating in the Interest of All Constituents
A nonpartisan school board's mission is to work for the benefit of the entire community:
Equitable Education: Nonpartisan school boards are committed to providing an equitable education for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Inclusive Policies: They aim to create policies and curricula that respect and reflect the diversity of the community, not just one group.
Financial Responsibility: Nonpartisan school boards manage finances wisely, ensuring that resources are used efficiently to support educational initiatives.
Community Involvement: They encourage community involvement, allowing all stakeholders to have a say in the educational system's direction.
Focus on Student Well-being: Nonpartisan school boards prioritize student well-being, emphasizing mental health support, safety, and a positive learning environment.