By: Samantha Ader, Chief of Staff

The Urgency of Now 

As students return to classrooms this fall, they enter a public education system in transition, marked by rapid change and intense debate. Federal and state policy, funding, and curriculum are being reshaped in ways that will impact families for decades. Artificial intelligence is transforming the workforce before our eyes, creating jobs that don’t exist today and rendering others obsolete. The education system is being asked to prepare students not just for the world we know, but for a rapidly changing one we can only begin to imagine. 

This is especially urgent for Latino students, who now make up nearly 30% of the public-school population, with even higher percentages in many school districts across the country. Yet too often, they are navigating an education system without leaders who prioritize their success and see their future as central to the future of our country. 

That’s where school boards come in. While national debates capture headlines, school boards hold the most power in shaping students’ and families’ everyday experience. They hire superintendents, set district policy, decide how resources are allocated, and chart the vision and goals of the school district. 

That’s why we need more leaders running for school board who will champion our Latino students’ success and who understand what’s at stake if we don’t prepare them for the rapidly changing world before them. 

If You’re Wondering Whether You’re Qualified, You Are 

When I decided to run for school board in 2019, I was working nationally to improve education systems through Latinos for Education. I realized I wasn’t doing anything locally to support my own community, even though over a third of the students in my district identified as Latino. At the same time, a controversial proposal surfaced, and I didn’t see my values reflected in the decision-making process. I thought: Somebody needs to do something …. Could I do something? 

But like many people considering elected office for the first time, I had doubts and had no idea what I was doing. If you’re feeling the same way, you might be thinking… 

• “I don’t have a big enough network.”
  I certainly didn’t either. But I quickly learned that if you identify your purpose and values, your network can expand faster than you think. Tapping into local networks of people such as political groups, community organizations, PTAs, and even neighborhood Facebook groups help you reach people ready to support someone who aligns with their values and purpose. 

• “I don’t know how to run a campaign.”
  Most first-time candidates don’t. There are local civic organizations, former candidates, and plenty of online resources to help guide you. You can also team up with like-minded candidates and run as a slate to share expenses and amplify your platform. And if you’re part of the Latinos for Education network, you have access to valuable support through Leadership for Educational Equity. 

• “I’m not an expert in policy or school finance.”
  Neither are most people when they start. What matters is that you’re willing to learn, listen, think critically, ask good questions, and make decisions rooted in your values. There are many resources available online or through your state’s school board association. 

• “Other people are more qualified.”
  I had this thought too. But then I thought, ‘If I don’t choose to run, someone else will. Will they reflect my values?’ You bring something unique, including your identity and lived experiences, and that perspective matters. 

How to Get Started: 5 Practical Steps You Can Take Now 

Here’s how you can begin turning curiosity into action: 

1. Attend a Board Meeting.
   If you haven’t been following your local school board, attend a few meetings in person or watch online. Observe how decisions are made and what kinds of questions get asked. You might find yourself thinking, I would’ve approached that differently, and that instinct is valuable. 
2. Talk to Someone Who’s Done It.
   Reach out to a current or former board member. Ask them what the experience is really like and what they learned along the way. Many are eager to support others considering this path, including me! 
3. Write Down Your “Why.”
   Clarify what you care most about. Consider what you would want to be true at the end of your school board service. That purpose will become your message and your anchor. 
4. Start Building Your Network, Even if It’s Small.
   Tell people what you’re thinking about. Join a local advocacy group. Volunteer with a campaign. These small steps help you find allies and grow your visibility. 
5. Build a Plan with the Tools You Have.
   Identify when school board elections are happening in your district, learn which seats will be open, and research the candidate filing deadlines and process. Use AI to help you refine a campaign strategy and key messages. Design campaign materials on Canva or enlist a creative friend to help. Advances in technology have made it easier than ever to get started on your campaign. 

It’s Your Turn 

When I first considered running, I kept wondering if I was qualified and if someone else might be better. Here’s what I wish someone had told me: 

You already have everything you need to be a great board member. 

So now, I’m saying it to you: 

You have what it takes, and I hope you’ll take the leap to run for office. Our students are stepping into a world changing faster than ever before and they need leaders at the table who will ensure they are prepared to succeed in that future. 

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Samantha Ader is Chief of Staff at Latinos for Education, leading strategic planning, cross-functional alignment, and organizational effectiveness in partnership with the CEO. With 15+ years in nonprofit management—including roles at Teach For America, United Way, and Butler University—and consulting experience, she holds an M.S. in Learning and Organizational Change from Northwestern and a B.A. from Indiana University. She lives outside Chicago with her partner and two daughters, serves as president of her local Board of Education, and, as the granddaughter of Cuban immigrants, is committed to advancing equitable, high-quality education for all students.