In less than a week, the 2024 general election will happen, and most of us can all finally go back to having our favorite programs interrupted by commercials that aren’t political ads. However, for candidates for school board, there are still a couple more steps to go before you can relax.
Once the ballots are counted and the dust has settled, the election will be certified. Within 10 days after the issuance of the Certificate of Election, a school board member-elect must file an Acceptance of Office with the secretary of the board. A copy of the Acceptance of Office must then be forwarded to the school district election coordinator. A school board member-elect who fails to file an Acceptance of Office before the 10-day deadline expires may lose their position on the board.
Each person elected to the school board must also take the prescribed Oath of Office. The oath may be given at any time after the Certification of Election. Because a school board member-elect must file an Acceptance of Office with the secretary of the board within 10 days after receiving a Certificate of Election, many school districts administer the official oath at the board’s administrative office when the Acceptance of Office is filed. A second “ceremonial oath” can then be reenacted at the organizational meeting. The Oath of Office for a newly elected or re-elected member of a local school board must be administered by a notary public, judge, clerk of a court or member of the state Legislature.
In addition, all candidates must make sure they are in compliance with Michigan’s campaign finance laws. If you are subject to the filing requirements of Michigan’s Campaign Finance Act (having more than 2,400 students in your district or spending/receiving more than $1,000 for your campaign), you’ll also need to file a Post Election Campaign Statement prior to taking office. Failure to do so is a campaign finance violation which can lead to fines and costs.
Candidates should check in with their local election clerks to verify what steps they must take to be in compliance with the campaign finance law.
If you have questions on this or other issues, please contact the MASB Legal Services team.