Board Member Turnover Increased in 2023

The April 2023 election saw the overall net turnover percentage for school board members in Illinois rise from 19.3% in 2021 to 23% in 2023. Net turnover has historically averaged around 22%. Turnover was below 20% for the previous three data sets (2017, 2019, and 2021).

Out of 5,839 school board seats, 3,164 seats were expiring. Of those, 57.5% were retained. Illinois school districts elected or appointed 1,345 new board members.

Most governing school boards in the state consist of seven members elected to serve four-year terms. Terms are staggered so there are three or four seats contested at each election, held the first Tuesday in April in odd-numbered years.

IASB has reported turnover data for the last 28 years based on membership records. Historical board turnover data is available. Raw data can be obtained by contacting IASB Communications.