School Board Vacancy Calculator

This calculator will count the days specified in Section 10-10 of the School Code outlining the general timelines and process for filling a school board member vacancy. Please read the "Process For Filling A Vacancy" section below prior to completing this form.
School Board Vacancy Date:

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Next School Board Elections
  • 04/08/2025
  • 04/06/2027

  • Process For Filling A Vacancy

    Whenever a vacancy occurs, the remaining board members must notify the regional superintendent within five calendar days after the vacancy occurs.

    The board fills the vacancy until the next regular school election, at which time a successor is elected to serve the remainder of the unexpired term, unless the vacancy occurs:

    • with less than 868 days remaining in the term; OR
    less than 88 days before the next regularly scheduled election.

    If one of these two exceptions applies, then no election to fill the vacancy is held, and the appointed member serves the remainder of the unexpired term.

    If the board fails to fill the vacancy within 60 days, then the regional superintendent fills the vacancy within the next 30 days.

    If the regional superintendent fails to fill the vacancy, then it is filled at the next regular election.


    School Board Elections
    School Board elections are held during the Consolidated Election on the first Tuesday in April of each odd-numbered year.

    School Board members are elected to serve four year terms.


    Pertinent Clause from (105 ILCS 5/10-10) (from Ch. 122, par. 10-10)

    Whenever a vacancy occurs, the remaining members shall notify the regional superintendent of that vacancy within 5 days after its occurrence and shall proceed to fill the vacancy until the next regular school election, at which election a successor shall be elected to serve the remainder of the unexpired term. However, if the vacancy occurs with less than 868 days remaining in the term, or if the vacancy occurs less than 88 days before the next regularly scheduled election for this office then the person so appointed shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term, and no election to fill the vacancy shall be held. Should they fail so to act, within 60 days after the vacancy occurs, the regional superintendent of schools under whose supervision and control the district is operating, as defined in Section 3-14.2 of this Act, shall within 30 days after the remaining members have failed to fill the vacancy, fill the vacancy as provided for herein. Upon the regional superintendent's failure to fill the vacancy, the vacancy shall be filled at the next regularly scheduled election. Whether elected or appointed by the remaining members or regional superintendent, the successor shall be an inhabitant of the particular area from which his or her predecessor was elected if the residential requirements contained in Section 10-10.5 or 12-2 of this Code apply.

    A board of education may appoint a student to the board to serve in an advisory capacity. The student member shall serve for a term as determined by the board. The board may not grant the student member any voting privileges, but shall consider the student member as an advisor. The student member may not participate in or attend any executive session of the board.

    (Source: P.A. 101-67, eff. 1-1-20.)

    Contact Your Regional Office of Education For Further Guidance