Rising School Board Controversies Magnify for Families in Washington
School board elections are set to take place in November, with these local races playing a crucial role in shaping the future of education in communities across the region.
The school board is responsible for hiring and evaluating the superintendent, approving curricula changes, and developing and approving policies, including school calendars, dress codes, and student transportation. They also prioritize ensuring every student receives an equitable, quality education and engage the community with clear and transparent communication.
However, school board meetings have become stages for battles over a range of contentious issues, such as race, religion, book bans, immigration, vaccinations, critical race theory, and LGBTQ+ rights. In the past 18 months, nearly 90 violent incidents at school board meetings across 30 states led to 59 arrests, according to ProPublica.
The ACLU reports that at least five western Washington boards have debated banning more than 40 books, prompting lawmakers to respond with House Bill 2331, prohibiting bans on materials by or about a protected class. Dr. Leighton Thomas, a candidate for the North Kitsap School Board, emphasizes the importance of an open mind in a board member.
Organizations like Moms for Liberty and the Washington Policy Center support conservative parents in selecting candidates for school boards in Washington. Parents should get involved in school board decisions because their tax dollars are on the line, property values are affected, school curricula are critical, and community values matter.
School boards are tasked with establishing policies, approving budgets, and overseeing the work of the superintendent to ensure that every decision made puts students first. They also ensure schools follow legal standards, minimizing risk from lawsuits by adhering to union and labor laws and protecting student privacy.
The school board approves budgets, allocating tax dollars to support student learning, school safety, and staff needs. Dr. Leighton Thomas suggests that an inclusive approach is best when confronting issues such as declining enrollment, budget shortfalls, and potential school closures.
Voters can find resources to learn about school board candidates and local races in the voters' pamphlet, candidate websites, MySchoolBoard.info, BoardDocs.com, and WSSDA.org. Despite the potential impact on local families, only 5 to 10 percent of voters typically show up for school board elections.
School boards communicate a clear vision for the district's future, including enrollment shifts and facility maintenance. They do not push political or personal agendas, make decisions without a long-term growth plan, get involved in daily operations, overstep staff matters, micromanage district expenses, or dismiss differing viewpoints.
As the school board elections approach, it is essential for voters to educate themselves on the candidates and issues to ensure their voices are heard in shaping the future of education in their communities.
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