Hamilton County school district candidate filings open May 19th and close at noon on June 18th. 

Local school boards make decisions that help shape students’ daily experiences, district leadership, educational priorities, and the direction of public education in our communities. Our schools need people who are willing to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, work collaboratively, and serve all students and families. 

Maybe you’re one of those people.

Running for office can feel intimidating at first, especially if you’ve never done it before. But if school board service is something you’ve been considering, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. HamCo Dems can help answer your questions, walk you through the filing process, connect you with resources, and make those first steps feel more manageable.

If you care about public education, believe all students deserve opportunity and support, and want thoughtful, community-focused leadership in our schools, this may be the year to run for your local school board.

What School Boards Do

School board members help guide some of the most important decisions a community makes about its public schools. They hire and evaluate superintendents, adopt district policies, oversee budgets and taxpayer resources, and help shape long-term priorities for their districts.

Board members attend regular public meetings, review district recommendations and reports, and work through complex issues that affect students, educators, staff, and families across their communities. 

While responsibilities vary slightly by district, school board service generally requires preparation, collaboration, public engagement, and a willingness to approach difficult decisions thoughtfully and responsively. 

At a time when public education continues to face political pressure and increased scrutiny across Indiana, communities benefit from leaders who stay focused on students, learning, and responsible governance.

You do not need to be a politician or an education expert to serve well.  Communities benefit when people with different professional backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives are willing to participate. 

Whether you are a parent, educator, business professional, retiree, or community advocate who believes in strong public schools, you can bring value to these important conversations.

You can learn more about school board service through the Indiana School Boards Association’s Candidate Resources.

School Districts with Seats Expected on the 2026 Ballot

The following Hamilton County school districts are expected to have school board seats on the ballot this November:

• Carmel Clay Schools — expected to elect 3 board members

• Hamilton Southeastern Schools — expected to elect 4 board members

• Noblesville Schools — expected to elect 2 board members

• Sheridan Community Schools — board seats expected; awaiting final confirmation

• Westfield Washington Schools — expected to elect 2 board members

• Hamilton Heights School Corporation — expected to elect 2 board members

*We encourage prospective candidates to confirm district-specific openings and residency requirements before filing.

New for 2026

Indiana Senate Bill 287 changes how school board candidates may appear on the ballot beginning in 2026. Candidates may now identify with a political party, identify as independent, or choose not to disclose a political affiliation on the ballot. 

Prospective candidates can learn more about the new law and filing requirements from the https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/election-commission/https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/election-commission/

How to Get Started

If you're considering a run for school board, we encourage you to connect with HamCo Dems Executive Director Raleigh Brown.  Most candidates find the process easier than they expect, but Raleigh can help answer your questions, explain the filing process, and walk you through important deadlines and requirements.

Candidate forms and filing information are also available here through the Hamilton County Elections Office.

Strong public schools depend on engaged communities and on people willing to participate in the decisions that shape local education. If serving on your district's school board has been on your mind, now is the time to learn more, ask questions, and consider taking the first step. The June 18th deadline is fast approaching. Let us know if we can help.