Ann Arbor School Board Election to Decide Future Policy
Voters will select five board members in November to help guide district decisions on school closings and local budgets.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Administration
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Ann Arbor voters head to the polls starting October 24, 2026, to elect five members to the Ann Arbor School Board. Twelve candidates are vying for these positions, which include four full-term seats and one partial-term vacancy.
Why it matters
The outcome will shape the district's approach to financial stability, potential school closings, and teacher retention following recent labor negotiations. The new board, set to take office in January 2027, will navigate these logistical challenges for local families.
Twelve candidates are competing for five board seats, divided into four full-term positions and one partial-term seat. The election follows the 2026 resignation of Don Wilkerson.
The players
Rima Mohammad
The only incumbent school board member running for re-election.
John Benson
A candidate emphasizing his 25 years of experience in risk monitoring and budget forecasting.
Kevin Hudson
A former class principal at Pioneer High School who retired in spring 2026.
Don Wilkerson
A former board member whose resignation earlier in 2026 created the partial-term vacancy.
The details
Voters will select up to four candidates for full-term seats and one for the partial-term vacancy. These new members will manage significant district concerns including student test scores and long-term fiscal planning. Their governance will be critical as the district faces potential school closings and prepares for further contract talks with the teachers' union in 2027.
Timeline
Early voting begins in Ann Arbor on October 24, 2026.
The early voting period concludes on November 1, 2026.
The new school board is scheduled to take office in January 2027.
The Home Front
This election follows the September 2026 collective bargaining contract between the Ann Arbor Public Schools and the Ann Arbor Education Association. The new board will inherit the financial framework established by this agreement.
Check your local polling place information to participate in the early voting window between October 24 and November 1. Parents should review candidate platforms regarding school closings and district financial health to understand how board decisions may affect local school operations.
The takeaway
Voters will determine the board's composition for the next term, which will directly impact district stability and school facility planning. Families should review the full list of candidates before the election to evaluate their plans for teacher retention and district test scores.
What happens next
The district is scheduled to resume contract talks with the teachers' union in spring 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the district's operations in our Ann Arbor Administration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WEMU-FM.
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