School Boards Across the U.S. Swept Up in National Political Culture Wars

School boards, traditionally nonpartisan and focused on local educational issues, are increasingly becoming battlegrounds for national political culture wars. This shift is evident in various incidents across the country, including the halting of school closure plans in the Poudre School District after community backlash, and contentious recall elections in California that test the strength of conservative movements within school boards. These elections have been sparked by debates over LGBTQ expression, parental rights, and curriculum content. As pandemic funds dry up, school districts are facing financial strains, leading to unconventional measures such as paying parents to drive their children to school and implementing four-day school weeks. This national trend towards politicization is changing the landscape of local educational governance, with significant implications for students, parents, and communities.