The soul of education: Why school board wins matter

Last week, voters made it clear: They’ve had enough.

In race after race, parents and voters sent a sweeping message that they want real solutions to address learning loss, literacy and loneliness and to help prepare young people for college and career. They want public schools where all kids are welcome—no matter what—and teachers and kids can thrive.

canvassers

An AFT analysis of approximately 250 races throughout the country found that AFT-supported school board candidates beat out extremist-supported, anti-public education candidates more than 80 percent of the time. In locations as diverse as Ohio; Albuquerque, N.M.; and Aldine, Texas, voters chose the candidates who put public education first.

And that, says Ohio Federation of Teachers President Melissa Cropper, is critical.

“There is no such thing as a small school board race; these are political battle grounds for the future of education,” she says. “We knew these races were going to be tough, but we also knew how important it was to elect people who prioritize the future of all our children over a political agenda to marginalize and divide people.”

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