MCSD Communications
School Board Candidate Information
Would you like to run for school board?
Information below has been taken from the Iowa Secretary of State's website and the Iowa Association of School Board's website.
KEY DATES
If you are preparing for the fall school board elections, these key dates can help. Download a PDF outlining the key dates.
Sept. 19: Last day to file nomination papers with the board secretary. Deadline is 5 p.m.
Sept. 20: Board secretaries deliver nomination papers to controlling commissioner. Deadline is noon.
Sept. 21: Vacancies or resignations on a school board occurring after this date must be filled at the school board election if a valid petition for election is filed. Any appointments made will be temporary until the election. Note that this is a Saturday.
Sept. 24: Last day candidates may withdraw. Last day written objections to nomination papers or eligibility of candidates may be filed. Deadline is 5 p.m.
Nov. 5: School election day. Polls are open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Nov. 12 or 13: Tier 1 canvass of votes; first Monday or Tuesday after the election, unless these dates fall on a legal holiday, then it pushes back one day. This is the election canvass for school districts located within one county. (MCSD falls under Tier 1)
Nov. 18: Muscatine Schools' organizational meeting. It is the board's first regular meeting following the final canvass. During this meeting, the board organizes for the new term.
REQUIRED NOMINATION PAPERS
- State of Iowa - Affidavit of Candidacy
- State of Iowa Nomination Petition for Non-Partisan Office (50 signatures from residents of Muscatine School District are required. No writing is allowed on the back of the form. It is highly suggested that candidates obtain more than 50 signatures to ensure eligibility requirements.)
GUIDES AND USEFUL INFORMATION
Iowa Secretary of State's Candidate's Guide to the School Election
School Board Election FAQ (from IASB's website)
IOWA BOARD OF ETHICS AND CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE RESOURCES
Visit the Board of Ethics and Campaign Disclosure website for information on topics including:
Permitted and prohibited corporate activity
Independent expenditures/in-kind contributions
Duties of a committee treasurer
Civil penalties
Out-of-state contributions
Prohibition in use of public funds for political purposes
Guidelines for campaign fundraising
CANDIDATE EDUCATION FROM IOWA ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BOARDS
While IASB recommends that candidates attend all four, this first webinar on Aug. 20 is an essential first step for any individual interested in running for the board.
Aug. 20: Running for the School Board: Essential Tips for Candidates, Noon-1 p.m.
In this timely webinar, we’ll help candidates understand what serving on a school board entails, how to prepare for meaningful board service, the potential landmines to avoid, key filing dates and more.
Register today
Sept. 10: Maintaining Your Community’s Trust: Legal & Ethical Campaigns for the School Board, Noon-1 p.m.
Hear from experts about important provisions in the Iowa Ethics Campaign Finance Disclosure Laws, conflict of interest and gift laws, and tips for campaigning.
Register today
Sept. 24: Confessions of a School Board Member: Perks and Pitfalls, Noon-1 p.m.
Hear insights from newer and veteran board members on “what I wish I would have known.” We’ll dig into topics such as roles of the board vs roles of staff, board time commitments and ethics.
Register today
Oct. 8: School Board Service: Equity and Excellence for ALL—Are You Ready? Noon-1 p.m.
When asked, most board members say they run for the board to make a difference for students. This discussion will help candidates consider what it takes to keep the board team’s focus on every child they serve and to help minimize the distractions of the Killer B’s: buses, buildings, books, and budgets.
Register today
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
If you're unsure whether board service is right for you, check out these testimonials from current school board members. Discover why they serve and gain a better understanding of whether board service is a good fit for you.
Watch guidance from current and former school board members and an experienced superintendent for candidates considering board service. Note: This video was filmed in 2015. Taken from the IASB's website.
Questions?
Muscatine Community School District
Email: info@mcsdonline.org
Website: www.muscatine.k12.ia.us
Location: 2900 Mulberry Avenue, Muscatine, IA, USA
Phone: (563) 263-7223
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MuscatineSchools/
Twitter: @muscatinecsd