The School Trustees Association says schools need people with common sense and people skills to stand for places on their boards.
Nominations close at midday on Thursday for the elections which are held every three years.
Election project manager Elaine Hines said schools will hold a ballot only if there are more candidates than places on their board.
She said parents and caregivers should consider the skills their board needs when they vote.
The association says the elections are a big event, with nearly 2500 state and integrated schools electing about 15,000 trustees.