Women’s representation on school boards has increased from 37% to 47%!
School boards represent the clearest example of sustained progress toward gender parity in Wisconsin. In 2005, women held 1,040 school board seats, accounting for 37% of the statewide membership. Growth was gradual through 2015 but accelerated thereafter. By 2021, women comprised 44% of school board members, and by 2025, they reached 47%!
As one of the most accessible entry points to elected office, school boards appear more responsive to changes in recruitment, community engagement, and leadership pipelines.