Why School Board Elections Matter

Since the start of this year, the new federal administration has launched a wave of attacks on minority communities, especially transgender youth. From attempts to roll back healthcare protections to encouraging school censorship, we’ve seen how federal policy can harm students right here in Colorado.

That’s why Rocky Mountain Equality is stepping up this fall to focus on one of the most important places where these battles play out: local school boards.

If you’ve ever wondered what a school board does or why these races get so heated, you’re not alone. We’re here to break it down and to help you get ready to vote for school board candidates who will protect and support all kids, including LGBTQ+ students.

What Do School Boards Actually Do?

School boards are the heart of public education leadership. They set policies for local public schools, influence curriculum, oversee school budgets, hire and evaluate superintendents, and shape what values guide the district’s decisions.

While school boards don’t manage the roads or city parks, they do directly impact the lives of children and families in your community.

In Colorado, there are 178 school districts, and each has a board of elected officials called the School Board. 

The Federal Connection 

You might wonder, what does my local school board have to do with federal politics?

Right now, a lot.

We’re in a moment where national ‘culture wars’ are being pushed into local school districts. Across the country, far-right groups are targeting school boards to:

• Ban books

• Restrict LGBTQ+ inclusion

• Silence discussions about race, gender, and equity

• Push policies that make schools less safe for trans youth

  
  

It’s happening in Colorado, too. That’s why school board elections have become hotbeds for hate—but also, opportunities for action. These elections decide whether your community’s leaders will protect all kids or push exclusionary agendas.

How School Board Elections Work

Here’s what you need to know about how these races function:

• Election Cycles: School board elections usually happen in odd-numbered years (like 2025). That’s why they’re sometimes called “off-year elections,” but they’re just as important as presidential ones.

  
  

• Districts and Seats: If your school district divides into sections (like A, B, C or 1,2,3), you’ll vote for candidates in the section where you live. Each voter can choose one candidate per section. For example, you can vote for a candidate in District A and a different one in District B, but you can’t vote for two candidates in the same district.

  
  

• At-Large Candidates: Some school board seats are at-large, meaning anyone in the district can run for those spots and all voters in the district can vote for them.

  
  

Here’s what you can do as a voter:

1. Find out which school district you live in.

2. Learn about the candidates running for school board. Ask yourself:

• Are there multiple candidates in my district section?

  
  

• Do I know what they stand for?

  
  

Pay close attention to their platforms. Candidates who prioritize outcomes and safety for all students are usually more aligned with LGBTQ+ youth and families.

3. Register to vote, and make a plan to vote by November 4, 2025. Don’t wait until the last minute! Local elections are often decided by just a few votes, and in Colorado anyone can vote early or by mail.

What Rocky Mountain Equality Is Doing

At Rocky Mountain Equality, we’re working across nine Colorado school districts this year. We have invited all declared candidates in Adams 12, Greeley Evans 6, Jeff Co, Poudre, Thompson, Boulder Valley, St. Vrain Valley, Pueblo 60, and Denver Public Schools to complete our candidate questionnaire. The responses from candidates will be shared in September so voters know where these candidates stand on key LGBTQ+ issues.

Safe, protective, and inclusive schools don’t just happen. They’re built by communities, by leaders, and by voters like you.

This November, we have a chance to elect local officials who will listen to young people, support human rights, and stand against hate for the next four years.

Join us. Use your voice. Vote for school board candidates who will fight for all students.