Election Governance Insights
A three-part video series from AJ Crabill on what the research says about board turnover, superintendent departure risk, and how to election-proof your school board.
The 43% Turnover Story — What It Means for Your School Board
Nearly half of all school board seats turn over every election. AJ Crabill breaks down the Ihrke & Ford research and the Cy-Fair ISD case study to explain why institutional memory evaporates — and what boards can do about it.
Sources: Ihrke & Ford (UW-Milwaukee), Cy-Fair ISD Board Election History
When Your Board Flips — Superintendent Departure Risk Climbs 67%
Sixty-seven percent. That's the probability a superintendent will leave within one year of the next board election. Based on Grissom's research at Vanderbilt and RAND Corporation data on the superintendent pipeline.
Sources: Grissom et al. (Vanderbilt), RAND Corporation, AASA Superintendent Survey
How to Election-Proof Your Board — 3 Strategies
Staggered terms, governance onboarding, and board-superintendent succession planning — three structural changes that keep governance trajectory intact through election season, no legislation required.
Sources: EdWeek Research Center, ESB Governance Best Practices Framework, Grissom (Vanderbilt)
Call to Action: Ready to strengthen your board's governance continuity? Find a certified coach or explore our governance resources.