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1. What is a governing board member?

A governing board member functions as one part of a school district board (consisting of three or five members), making decisions and planning direction for the school district in accordance with State law.

Some areas of responsibility include:

• Approval of the district budget
• Approve personnel actions based on the superintendent’s recommendations
• Attend all regular and special meetings of the governing board
• Develop and support the vision, mission and goals of the district
• Establish and approve district policies
• Hire and evaluate the district superintendent
• Provide guidance in the development of the district’s budget
• Review district regulations for compliance with policy

2. What are the qualifications for becoming a governing board member?

To be eligible for nomination to a school district governing board pursuant to A.R.S § 15- 421, a candidate must be a registered voter of the state and has been a resident of the school district for at least one year immediately proceeding the day of election. In addition, no employee of a school district or the spouse of such employee may hold membership on a governing board of a school district of which such employee is employed.

3. What duties / powers does a governing board member have?

The governing board shall prescribe and enforce policies and procedures for the governance of the schools, not inconsistent with law or rules prescribed by the State Board of Education according to A.R.S. § 15-341.

4. Is there training available for newly elected governing board members?

Yes. The Arizona School Board Association (ASBA) provides model training and leadership to school board members and administrators. ASBA also conducts in-service education for prospective and experienced board members, including workshops and seminars, an annual delegate assembly, a university of board development, a law conference and an annual conference. Governing boards may also contract with ASBA for customized board training sessions. ASBA also has a publication available - Boardsmanship in Arizona - a comprehensive manual and guide for governing board members as well as other resource materials relating to school board issues.

5. Can I file my nomination petitions and nomination papers separately?

No, you cannot. A.R.S. § 16-311 states that the nomination paper of a candidate must be accompanied by the nomination petitions.

6. What forms are required?

The following forms are required:

• Nomination Paper and Affidavit of Qualification
• Nonpartisan Nomination Petitions (with sufficient valid signatures)

7. Do I fill out a financial disclosure statement?

No, you do not. The detailed personal financial disclosure statement required by A.R.S. § 38-542 is not required of governing board members.

8. How are petition signatures challenged?

Challenging the nomination of a candidate is outlined in A.R.S. § 16-351. Any elector filing any court action challenging the nomination of a candidate shall do so no later than 5 p.m. of the tenth day (excluding Saturday, Sunday and other legal holidays) after the last day for filing nomination papers and petitions. For the (date pending) General Election the deadline to challenge nomination petitions is (date pending). The elector shall specify in the action the petition number, line number and basis for the challenge for each signature being challenged.

9. Can individuals or the media obtain names and addresses of candidates?

Once the Statement of Interest is filed, the information becomes public.

10. What is the term of office for a governing board member?

The regular term of office for each member shall be four years from January 1 following the General Election. Governing Board members’ terms are rotated so that in any given general election year not all Governing Board members’ terms expire at the same time. For this November General Election the majority of the school districts have three members whose terms will expire on December 31, 2020. There are districts that will have a special term position on the ballot. These positions have either been vacant or an appointment has been made by the Graham County School Superintendent to fill the position until the next General Election.

11. What is the special term for a governing board member?

Should a governing board member vacate their position before the expiration of their term, the county school superintendent may appoint an individual to fill the vacancy. The term of the appointment shall be only until the next regular election for governing board members, at which time a successor shall be elected to serve the unexpired portion of the term according to A.R.S. § 15-302.

12. How do I find out which member district I reside in if I want to run for the JTED Governing Board?

The JTED boundaries are the same as the regular school district boundaries.

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1. What is the 500 word statement?

A.R.S. § 15-421.F requires the county school superintendent to publish on its website a 500 word statement of each certified candidate for governing board. The statements will be linked to each of the eight school districts in Graham County. The candidate statement is to be typewritten or electronically submitted along with a recent photograph of the candidate. The statements will be published verbatim.

2. Do I have to file a 500 word statement?

No - if a candidate does not submit a statement, the county school superintendent’s website shall sate “no response submitted” for the candidate.

3. When do I file the 500 word statement?

Candidates shall submit a 500 word statement, along with a recent photograph of the candidate, to the Graham County School Superintendent’s Office no later than September 16, 2020.

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1. When elected, when do governing board members take office?

Newly elected governing board members will take office at the first organizational meeting of the school board, which must be held between the first and the 15th day of January following the general election. The oath of office can be administered any time after the district receives the certificate of election, but must be administered at least one day before the first governing board meeting.

2. When are governing board elections held?

Governing board elections are part of the general election in even-numbered years. The next election date is November 3, 2020; see reference at A.R.S. § 16-204.

3. When are governing board meetings held?

For the purposes of regular meetings of the governing board, the board shall hold a regular meeting at least once each month during the regular school year and may hold other meetings as often as called. The board shall meet at the most convenient public facility in the school district. (All according to A.R.S § 15-321).

4. When can I start collecting signatures?

Candidates must file a Statement of Interest before collecting any signatures. 

5. When can I file for governing board office?

All candidates who desire to have their names printed on the General Election ballot must file all required forms with the Graham County School Superintendent during the filing period of June 8, 2020 to July 6, 2020.

6. When do I file a campaign a finance law statement?

This form will only be filled out if you have spent or received a combination of $1,200. These documents should be filed with the Graham County School Superintendent’s Office within 10 days after the campaign’s combined receipts and distributions exceed $1,200. Once filed the committee must file periodic Campaign Finance Reports. (All according to A.R.S. § 16-311.B)

7. Where do I file my nonpartisan nomination petitions and nomination paper?

All school district governing board paperwork should be filed with the Graham County School Superintendent at 921 Thatcher Blvd., Safford AZ 85546

See A.R.S. § 16-311 for more information.