Become a Board Member

Prospective Board Candidates

We are excited that you are considering running for school board director! Serving as a board member is one of the most important responsibilities that a citizen can undertake. The role is complex and varied. It allows you to be of service to your community, advance the mission of the district, create opportunities for our students and staff, provide oversight to the administration and budgetary process, and grow in your own leadership skills. Board membership requires a substantial time commitment, effective written, oral, and listening communication skills, the ability to synthesize copious information, high ethical standards, and a willingness to participate in cooperative decision-making. Most board members find that the community impact and personal fulfillment of the position far outweighs the effort and occasional stress of this important job.

Within the District, January is designated as “School Board Open House Month” in Municipal Election years. You are encouraged to attend the January Curriculum & Instruction Committee, Work Session, and Board Meeting to familiarize yourself with the work and responsibilities of the board. A Question & Answer session for prospective candidates will be held before the January Board Meeting. Interested candidates should contact the Superintendent’s Office. 

School board elections in Pennsylvania run concurrently with other municipal elections. A 5-seat/4-seat UCFSD Board election rotation ensures continuity in that at least four members have two or more years of experience. Occasionally a vacancy caused by resignation, death, moving out of the district or region, etc., is filled by an appointment process.

The UCFSD Election Rotation Schedule:

• Region A: East Marlborough & West Marlborough Townships (Three Director seats)
  • One seat elected in November of 2023, 2027, 2031...
  • Two seats elected in November of 2021, 2025, 2029, 2033...
• Region B: Newlin, Pocopson & Birmingham Townships (Three Director seats)
  • One seat elected in November of 2023, 2027, 2031...
  • Two seats elected in November of 2021, 2025, 2029, 2033...
• Region C: Chadds Ford, & Pennsbury Townships (Three Director seats)
  • Three seats elected in November of 2023, 2027, 2031...

Pennsylvania State Law (School Code)

The Pennsylvania School Board Association (PSBA) is a very useful resource and maintains a How to Run for School Board webpage. 

Topics covered include:

• What is a school board?
• Constitutional mandate
• Legislative authority
• School board responsibilities
• Some collective functions of school boards mandated by law
• Some functions of school boards authorized by law but not mandated
• Some actions prohibited by law
• School board officers and representatives
• How school directors are elected
  • Who is eligible for election as a school director
• How to become a candidate

Local Election Processes

The Chester County Voter Services website has the information, forms, and timelines to file for official candidacy. 

Through the Candidate’s Corner you can learn more about the following:

• Running for Office, including Nominating Petitions and Statement of Financial Interests,
• Candidate’s Affidavit, and
• Nomination and Petition Withdrawal.

If you plan to spend over $250 in financial activity related to seeking office, the Campaign Finance section will be important to understand as there are a number of important dates, forms, and processes to be aware of that drive Campaign Finance Law. 

All UCFSD Board Members are happy to answer any questions you have or to speak with you about their experience on the board. 

Contact the Board