The Growing Political Influence of School Board Elections

Contentious races for control of local school boards are becoming increasingly polarized and nationalized, with candidates taking cues from national groups focused on parental rights. In the Lehigh Valley, a competitive and combative school board race is centered on issues such as curriculum review and parental involvement. The race has divided the community and brought national political debates to the forefront. The COVID-19 pandemic has further fueled the importance of school board decisions, leading to a shift in the traditionally noncompetitive races. The outcome of these elections could have a significant impact on district policies and the role of parents in schools.