Ann Arbor School Board Election to Offer Five Seats

Twelve candidates will compete for four full-term and one partial-term seat this November.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Administration

Ann Arbor School Board Election to Offer Five Seats

Live Poll

Do you feel your local school board is heading in the right direction for students?

Ann Arbor voters will head to the polls to fill five seats on the school board in an election scheduled for November 3, 2026. Twelve candidates are running to fill four full-term positions and one partial-term seat.

Why it matters

The incoming board will face significant challenges, including school closings, teacher retention, student test scores, and ongoing concerns regarding financial stability.

A total of 12 candidates are competing for 5 open seats, which include 4 full-term positions and 1 partial-term role. Voters may select up to 4 candidates for full-term seats and 1 for the partial-term vacancy.

The players

Rima Mohammad

She is the only incumbent school board member currently running for re-election.

John Benson

He brings 25 years of professional experience in risk monitoring and budget forecasting.

Kevin Hudson

He previously served as a class principal at Pioneer High School before his retirement in spring 2026.

The details

Candidates are vying for seats following the earlier resignation of Don Wilkerson. The district recently settled a collective bargaining contract in September 2026, though further negotiations with the teachers' union are slated for 2027.

September 2026: The district and teachers' union approved a new collective bargaining contract.
October 24, 2026: Early voting begins for the Ann Arbor school board election.
November 3, 2026: Voters decide the final board composition.
January 2027: The new school board is expected to take office.

Culture Shift

The upcoming school board election follows the recent adoption of a collective bargaining contract with the Ann Arbor Education Association. This transition signals a pivot toward long-term fiscal management and policy implementation as the district addresses potential school consolidations.

Residents must decide how to distribute their four votes for full-term candidates and one vote for the partial-term position to shape the district's future direction. Participation in the upcoming election directly influences how the district manages upcoming challenges like potential school closings and academic achievement goals.

The takeaway

Voters should review the specific experience of the 12 candidates to determine who is best equipped to handle the district's financial and staffing challenges. Early voting provides a convenient window for residents to cast their ballots before the November 3 deadline.

What happens next

The new school board is scheduled to take office in January 2027, with subsequent contract talks with the teachers' union expected to resume in spring 2027.