Millions of California residents are facing a disheartening reality as they prepare for the upcoming school board elections on November 5th. An analysis conducted by EdSource has revealed that a staggering 56% of the 1,510 school board races across 49 counties in California will not even appear on the ballot. The primary reason for this glaring absence of candidates stems from a severe shortage of individuals willing to run for these crucial positions. This concerning trend is especially prevalent in more remote areas of the state, where the lack of school board members has been a persistent and troubling issue.
Challenges in Rural Areas
Troy Flint, the chief information officer for the California School Boards Association, shed light on this pressing issue, emphasizing that districts in rural counties face unique challenges when it comes to attracting candidates for school board positions. These areas typically have smaller populations, which significantly limits the pool of potential candidates. Moreover, the incentives offered by these districts, such as modest monthly stipends or health insurance, pale in comparison to those available in larger districts, further deterring individuals from pursuing these roles.
Yuri Calderon, the executive director of the Small School Districts’ Association, shared his firsthand experience grappling with this issue during his time as the chief business officer at Cold Spring School District. Calderon highlighted the difficulty of convincing community members to run for school board, particularly in rural areas where residents are often content with the status quo and may not view a school board seat as a stepping stone to higher political office. This lack of motivation coupled with the prevailing political divisiveness in many school board meetings has created a discouraging environment that repels potential candidates.
Impact on Urban and Suburban Areas
While the shortage of school board candidates is most pronounced in rural regions, urban and suburban areas are not exempt from this concerning trend. John Rogers, the director of the Institute for Democracy, Education and Access at UCLA, expressed his concern over the reluctance of existing and potential school board members to run for office due to the increasingly hostile and threatening atmosphere at these meetings. The fear of backlash and the demanding nature of these roles have dissuaded many individuals from stepping up to serve their communities.
This scarcity of willing candidates has led to a considerable number of uncontested races across various counties in California. For instance, in Los Angeles County, 252 candidates are vying for 174 seats, leaving 90 seats uncontested. Similar scenarios are playing out in Sacramento County and San Diego County, where the number of candidates falls short of the available seats. The pervasive hesitance to engage in the political sphere has cast a shadow over the democratic process, raising concerns about the future of school governance in these communities.
Addressing the Crisis
As communities grapple with the dearth of school board candidates, innovative solutions are being explored to entice more individuals to consider these pivotal roles. Allan Carver, the Siskiyou County Superintendent of Schools, has taken proactive measures to make serving on the school board more appealing. By raising the monthly stipend and offering health insurance to board members, Carver aims to attract a diverse pool of candidates who are committed to steering their districts towards excellence.
In some rural districts, the practice of appointing board members after the filing deadline has become commonplace due to the scarcity of candidates willing to run for office. While this may ensure continuity in governance, it also underscores the urgent need for broader community engagement and participation in the electoral process. The heart of democracy lies in the active involvement of citizens in shaping the policies and practices that impact their children’s education.
Despite the significant challenges posed by the lack of school board candidates, leaders like Carver remain hopeful that individuals with a genuine commitment to serving their communities will step forward. Encouraging dialogue, fostering collaboration, and promoting inclusivity are essential steps towards revitalizing the spirit of civic engagement and strengthening the foundation of our educational institutions. As the call to action reverberates across California, the future of school governance hangs in the balance, awaiting the voices of those who are willing to champion the cause of public education.
