If you wish to help ConservativeHQ reach more readers then donate here.
With the Nov 2025 elections fast approaching, school board candidates are either losing steam or being targeted. Though many tend not to vote in off year elections or for down-ballot races, the last five years revealed the importance of school board races.
School board candidates will be on the ballot in 25 states on Nov 4. Those elected will make decisions on the budget, types of programs offered, curriculum, and supplemental materials once seated on the dais. Though not high-profile races in the past, many acknowledge these are key local governing positions. Candidates must be scrutinized so districts don’t regress to the harmful ideology. Because many states do not require party affiliation it’s difficult to know what a candidate supports other than what they tell you. But campaign claims don’t always come to fruition.
The Current Landscape
Government largess bestowed upon the education system, which exponentially increased in 2020 and extended through 2024 should alarm every parent, citizen, and public official. Parents because of the poisonous ideology, citizens because of the financial impact, and public officials because of the legislation and policy being promoted.
In Virginia, the Governor and Attorney General races have dwarfed other races in the Commonwealth. However, one news outlet serving Southwest and Southside VA is reporting on school board races. Eight races in seven counties have no candidate name appearing on the ballot. Seats will be filled via write-in votes.
The outlet claims “School board members are the largest group of elected officials in the nation, due to the sheer number of school districts. But nearly half of school board races go uncontested, with just one candidate on the ballot, according to research published by the Annenberg Institute at Brown University.” This is alarming given the authority school boards have over what children are taught, exposed, and subjected to.
Attacks are Not a Winning Strategy
Targeted attacks on candidates who support conservative, common sense reforms are ramping up in some districts. If a candidate claims to support Trump, speaks of their Christian faith, or promotes specific non-progressive issues the attacks turn to vile, vicious rhetoric and often get personal.
One incumbent seeking re-election, Amy Cawvey USD 469 Lansing School Board in Kansas, was invited to complete an endorsement application and attend a forum hosted by the local teacher’s union. She believes a school board member’s focus is students, not employees. To remain impartial and avoid conflicts of interest, she declined both requests. This brought claims of anti-teacher and anti-union which is not fundamental to her decision.
Insert embedded tweet here:
Another incumbent, Rachel Moyer for PA, is seeking re-election where opponents are targeting her efforts of standing up for parent’s rights and standing against tax increases and divisive policies. She is a candidate who professes her faith, is a conservative republican, and believes in truth and transparency. Her most vocal opponent is using videos and FB posts to wage a character assassination war. Unfortunately, the vitriol makes individuals think twice about running for public office and escalates blank ballots and empty seats.
Education Dominance is the Jewel to Possess
Many point to 2020 and COVID when it comes to seeing radical change. However, the deck has been stacked against quality education that produces skilled students for decades, if not centuries. Public education is a jewel to be possessed by those who seek power and control.
The early 1800s brought Horace Mann, a politician and education reformer. He became the first Board of Education Secretary in Massachusetts who promoted free, universal, and nonsectarian public education and introduced tax supported elementary public schools. Known as the Father of American Education his transformations promoted socialist thinking.
The early 1900s saw changes in education based on proposed reforms by John Dewey. He was a philosopher, psychologist, education reformer, and a leader in the progressive movement. He was introduced in his early years to Darwin’s theory of natural selection, which had a life-long impact on his career as a professor. His political involvement focused on social reforms including unionization of teachers.
The Disintegrating School Board Monopoly
Over time the focus on educating children has diminished. It’s become more about seeking social reforms to shape a culture that meets intended objectives by pushing expected outcomes. This is not what education is intended to be. And this is why school board races gained importance.
Many groups created during COVID changed the tide and eliminated the race bating divisive nonsense taught in K-12 classrooms. However, unions are still a force to be reckoned with. School board members are manipulated by the monopoly on how to perform their duties with the majority of information perpetuating the status quo.
The National School Boards Association (NSBA) no longer has the membership they once enjoyed. Their collusion with the previous administration calling parents’ domestic terrorists brought much ire. The result left many states temporarily withdrawing their support.
The alternative created, based on previous efforts, came to fruition in the National School Boards Coalition (NSBC). Now members can receive experienced support based on law, policy, and governance. The tide has turned and it’s time for common sense solutions and competition.
Author Karen Hiltz, EdD, is a speaker and author from Sebastian, FL. Dr. Hiltz is Navy veteran, retired federal procurement professional and former professor of business and public schoolboard member. She has a BA and MBA in Management and an EdD in Leadership Studies.
- Trump Education Policy
- National School Boards Coalition
- DEI
- transgender ideology
- School Board Candidates
- School board races
- Election Day 2025
- school budgets
- Virginia elections
- uncontested school board elections
- Amy Cawvey
- Rachel Moyer
- teacher's unions
- parental rights
- public education
- John Dewey
- Horace Mann
Wanna help us reach more readers?
Since 1999, ConservativeHQ has been providing for free news and information for conservative leaders and activists intended to help grow the conservative movement so large that conservatives will govern America.
If you enjoy our content and wish to help finance the success and growth of ConservativeHQ, then I urge you to donate here, or mail a contribution to: ConservativeHQ, 9625 Surveyor Court, Ste 400, Manassas, VA 20110. Your contribution is not tax deductible, but greatly appreciated!
