Are school board races truly nonpartisan?

I have contemplated the nonpartisan nature of our school board races for years now. In a perfect world, this race would truly be non-partisan. Our debates would revolve around purely educational priorities, rather than mirroring national arguments.

However, we must acknowledge reality.  I don’t think it is incorrect or surprising to say that the majority of MSDE leadership is likely Democrat.  The majority of state leadership is Democrat. And Democrats and Republicans see the world through a very different lens. 

The reality is, Republicans never asked for, and did not welcome, the controversial issues and debates brought into our schools and classrooms by Democrat leadership.

Republicans did not ask that we teach students about gender identity.

Republicans did not mandate DEI initiatives and hiring practices.

Republicans did not insist on policies that make it harder to discipline students who need it.

Republicans did not ask for schools to expand their role through increased mental health counseling, SEL and community schools.

And then, Republicans are demonized when they rise up to say no to these things and that they want local representation that will do their best to do what we know is right for our students and families. 

If Democrats and Republicans can work together, I think that’s great. But as a voter, I want to know whether their positions on these important issues align with mine. I couldn't join a slate with someone unless we shared the same concerns about how these issues are impacting our schools and the taxpayers who support them.