As the November 2025 general election approaches, voters in Champaign County will help decide the future of local education by selecting new school board members across multiple districts. These elected officials will have a hand in shaping curriculum policies, budget decisions, and long-term plans for schools in their communities.
Here’s a breakdown of the school board candidates appearing on the fall ballot:
*An asterisk denotes incumbent candidates.*
Madison-Champaign Educational Service Center Board
- Jami L. Hackworth
- Kay Nutter (At-large)
- Sharon Shoaf
Graham Local School District Board of Education (2 Seats)
- Karyl B. Strader*
- David Uhl*
Mechanicsburg Exempted Village School District Board (3 Seats)
- Scott DeLong*
- Brian Forrest*
- Mary Reiser*
Triad Local School District Board of Education (2 Seats)
- Jason Kyle Huffman*
- Michael C. Perry*
Urbana City School District Board of Education (3 Seats)
- James B. Arter*
- Nathan Long
- Amy Shaloo Paul*
- Drew Sponheim
- Darrell Terry Thomas*
West Liberty-Salem Schools (3 seats)
- Tim Lamb*
- James Ryan Pratt (Write-In)
- Doug Williams (Write-In)*
Why School Board Elections Matter
School board members serve as the link between the community and the classroom. Their decisions can impact academic programs, staff hiring, school safety, and facility improvements. These races often fly under the radar, but they play a critical role in shaping the quality and direction of public education in the county.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, with early voting beginning October 7. To verify your registration, find your polling place, or learn more about absentee voting, visit the Champaign County Board of Elections.
