Back to School
It used to be that school board elections were held in early September, just as a new school year was starting. Made sense, especially when school started after Labor Day. But that election cost money, and folks did not participate as they did for a general election in November.
So not long ago, Iowa shifted and now we elect school board members in the November general election, along this year with the election of municipal offices.
To all of you who ask me what you can do to stem the tide coming over all of us these days…here’s a start. Participate in the school board election in just a week.
Doesn’t matter if you don’t have kids in school, you’re paying property taxes to support schools. Regardless, schools are the front line of developing the next generations of citizens. We all ought to care deeply about them.
Perhaps your district is one that hasn’t been fighting about unneeded mask mandates…or one that hasn’t tried to impose critical race theory and wokeness. Consider yourself fortunate, and vote to keep those school board members in place. If you don’t like what’s going on in your school, figure out which board members or candidates are in sync with your views and support them.
Just because some schools nationally have atrocities doesn’t mean you should throw everyone out of your local school board. Be smart, do your homework…but above all, take it seriously and participate.
That’s the least you can do…the very least. But it’s the first step.
