20 Questions for School Board Candidates

Local elections impact your public school and the quality of education in your school district. It is important to know what candidates’ stances are on key school library issues ahead of election day. 

Whether you are researching on your own, reaching out to candidates via email, or attending a candidate forum, you can ask school board candidates the following questions to ensure that you are informed before casting your vote.

Role of the School Library and Librarians 

• Do you believe that school board policies should reflect the values of all community members who reside within a district?
• How do you see school libraries contributing to your district?
• Do you know how school librarians decide if a book should be in the school library’s collection?
• How important to you is it that all K-12 schools provide a designated space for a school library for their students?
• Do you believe students need school library services and related educational resources to prepare for careers and college?
• How important is it to you that all public schools within the district provide their students with a comprehensive education in digital citizenship, and information and media literacy?
• Would you support legislation to ensure that every public school has a certified school library media specialist for its students and teachers?

Role of the School Board

• What kinds of nominees/candidates do you believe would make the best school board members?
• As a member of the school board how would you serve the diverse needs of the students in your district?
• Do you know what a library collection development policy is?

Bans and Access

• Do you believe that students have the right to decide their own reading materials?
• Do you believe that having a school librarian in the school is necessary for strong educational programs?
• At what grade level is it appropriate for students to have access to the following…
  • Age-appropriate books with LGBTQ+ characters
  • Age-appropriate books about race/racism
  • Age-appropriate books about social justice
  • Age-appropriate books about puberty and sexual education ​​
• Who do you believe should be involved in reviewing content deemed objectionable in school libraries?
• Do you believe that banning books is an appropriate way to prevent children from learning about certain topics?
• Do you feel that students are safe at the school library?
• Do you think school librarians should be arrested for giving students access to certain books?
• Should outside stakeholders who do not live within a district be able to bring forth book challenges in a school district?

Funding for School Libraries and Public Education

• Do you believe there is enough state funding for school libraries within our state?
• Do you believe there is enough state funding for public schools within our state?
  
  

In addition to school board candidates, candidates for your public library board can impact your local community. Prepare for Election Day by seeking answers to these 20 questions for library board candidates' positions on key issues.