Bill to extend school board terms to four years and move elections to November takes next step

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The Missouri Senate has taken up a measure this session to move school board elections to the fall and extend the length of most school board terms.

Senate Bill 1002, sponsored by Sen. Adam Schnelting (R-St. Charles County) would modify two major school board policies if approved this legislative session, including making school board terms four years and shifting school board elections to the General Election in November.

Under current law, elections for school board members are held on either the general municipal election often in April or such day as is specified in the county charter

Most Missouri school districts currently have three-year school board terms. The Independence School District has the longest school board terms of any district with six years.

A public hearing was held on Tuesday in the Senate Education Committee following a second reading of the measure.

If approved, the bill would not require candidates to register with a political affiliation.

State media outlets reported concerns were noted in the public hearing about possibly moving the elections to November, saying it would make it difficult for candidates to compete with major General Election ballot issues and increase partisanship.

Supporters have the measure would boost voter turnout in key school board elections.