School board matters.

Added detailed requirements for nomination petitions including candidate addresses, previous candidacy history, and campaign finance awareness statements.

Added three specific options for political party affiliation disclosure: party affiliation, independent candidate, or non-disclosure of affiliation.

Modified vacancy filling procedures to distinguish between candidates affiliated with major political parties (filled by caucus) and those without such affiliation (filled by remaining board members).

Modified school board member compensation from a fixed $2,000 to a maximum of 10% of the lowest starting teacher salary.

Added certification requirements for political party affiliation claims, requiring county chairmen to verify primary election participation.

Modified petition challenge deadlines from 74 days to 60 days before general election, with determination deadlines of 60 and 54 days respectively.

Nomination petitions for school board offices must now specify the candidate's political party affiliation, independent status, or election not to disclose affiliation

Ballot display requirements changed to show party affiliation statements unless the candidate is challenged

School board vacancies must be filled by caucus if the vacating member had major party affiliation, or by remaining governing body members if no major party affiliation was stated

Added requirements for campaign finance statements and candidate eligibility declarations in nomination petitions

Annual compensation for school board members increased from $2,000 to a maximum of 10% of the lowest starting teacher salary

Updated affected code citations to reflect current statutory numbering