OSBA’s mission at its heart is to support school board function for the benefit of all students. The OSBA Board’s purpose is to make sure the association is delivering on its mission.
The OSBA Board is about OSBA governance. The Board sets the vision and mission and provides strategic guidance and fiduciary oversight for the association’s statewide work. But it also offers a more visible platform for public education advocates to work in Salem and their own communities, inviting volunteers who are passionate about improving outcomes for every learner.
OSBA’s annual elections are again seeking school board members who are interested in a statewide leadership opportunity, who care deeply about the success of OSBA and who are strong advocates for student success. The nomination period for the OSBA elections opened Aug. 1 and will close Sept. 30.
Aside from their governance role, OSBA Board members are automatically part of OSBA’s Legislative Policy Committee, which helps set OSBA’s legislative agenda. Board members are called on to testify to the Legislature, organize regional meetings with their state legislators and represent OSBA in their area.
OSBA Board member candidates must be current members of an Oregon school district, education service district or community college board. Member school boards nominate and vote for up to 22 regionally elected positions from 14 geographic regions. In 2026, all odd-numbered positions are up for election, in regions Eastern, Central, Southern, Clackamas, Douglas/South Coast, Marion, Yamhill/Polk, Washington and Multnomah.
OSBA will distribute regional ballots, and boards can begin voting Oct. 15. Ballots may also include any proposed resolutions. Voting closes Dec. 15.
Candidates must be nominated by the official action of a member board within the region. Official board action is also required to cast a board’s vote for candidates and resolutions. OSBA’s elections page has sample documents to help with the voting.
