Madison School Board Election to Feature Four Candidates
Four hopefuls will compete for three open seats on the Madison Public Schools Board of Education this November.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Administration
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Four candidates have officially filed to run for three seats on the Madison Public Schools Board of Education. The election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026.
Why it matters
The board election determines the leadership overseeing the local school district's policies and administration. Voters will decide which representatives will fill the three available board seats.
Four candidates are vying for three seats in the upcoming election. Incumbent James Knapp currently holds one of the seats and has served on the board for 12 years.
The players
James Knapp
James Knapp is a long-standing incumbent who has served on the Madison Public Schools Board of Education for 12 years.
Cassandra Fuhs
Cassandra Fuhs is one of the four individuals who filed to run for a seat on the Madison school board.
Josh O'Brien
Josh O'Brien is a candidate competing in the upcoming Madison Public Schools Board of Education election.
Kathleen Ritzmann
Kathleen Ritzmann is an official candidate seeking election to the Madison Public Schools Board of Education.
The details
Candidates James Knapp, Cassandra Fuhs, Josh O'Brien, and Kathleen Ritzmann have filed to appear on the ballot. These four individuals are competing for the three available spots on the board during the general election.
Timeline
The general election for school board seats is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Culture Shift
This race serves as a vital component of the broader 2026 Madison municipal election cycle. Participation in this election follows the long-term societal trend of localized civic engagement in school board governance.
Residents should prepare to cast their ballots on November 3 to determine the leadership of their local school district. The outcome of this election will directly influence the administration and policy direction of the Madison Public Schools system.
The takeaway
Voters play a critical role in local education by selecting the board members who govern school policies and resources. Residents should research the platforms of these four candidates ahead of the November election to make an informed choice.
What happens next
The general election for the Madison Public Schools Board of Education will take place on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more context on local governance, visit Madison Administration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Norfolk Daily News.
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