Can I run for my local school board if I have a relative working in the school district?

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Answer:

Yes, you can run for a school board position even if you have a relative employed by the district. There are no state laws or board policies that prohibit a family member of a district employee from seeking a school board seat.

However, if you are already on the school board and a member or your immediate family is seeking employment with the district, there are specific requirements the district must follow. According to state statute AS 14.14.140 and Board Policy 4112.8/4212.8/4312.8 Employment of Relatives, a school board member’s immediate family can be hired when:

  1. they are the most qualified candidate for the position,
  2. the School Board approves the hiring at a meeting, with the governing board family member abstaining from the vote,
  3. the Commissioner of Education approves the hire.

Immediate family members are defined in code (4 AAC 18.031) as a spouse, parent, child, or sibling. (Sept 19, 2024)

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