When the 1870 state constitution required local governments to create a free public school system, county supervisors appointed people to be responsible for the schools.
The General Assembly authorized the election of School Boards in 1992. By 2023, nearly all local jurisdictions were electing School Boards. The 15 school systems which did not have elected school boards were:1
Alleghany Highlands Public Schools
Franklin City Public Schools
Galax City Public Schools
Hanover County Public Schools
Hopewell City Public Schools
Lexington City Schools
Lynchburg City Schools
Manassas Park City Schools
Martinsville City Public Schools
Poquoson City Public Schools
Richmond County Public Schools
Roanoke City Public Schools
Salem City Schools
Southampton County Public Schools
Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools