In a time of national upheaval, it is understandable to feel helpless, but remember to not overlook the impact of local decision-making organizations. Especially at the school board level, your vote and participation have incredible power to influence the quality of education and life experiences for students, teachers, and families. From instituting book bans and making threats to pre-emptively get rid of protective equity-related policies, some school boards in District 31 have already been exerting concerning control, emboldened by such groups as the Anoka-Hennepin Parents Alliance or Moms for Liberty. So, how can you make a difference?
- Tune in to or participate in your school board’s meetings. Work sessions can be attended, although public comment is often not permitted. Regular board meetings are also open to the public with comment options, and these meetings can often be viewed online at the school district’s website.
- Be sure to vote! This fall, Anoka-Hennepin has a critical school board election, which could break a 3-3 stalemate that has caused a lot of discord and confusion at various levels over the last year. If you live in District 4, remember to vote on November 4, 2025. School board elections will be part of your voting ballot. (See polling info here.)
- Know the sources connected to or backing certain board members. Ask your board members who or what is motivating–or funding–them? Where are they getting the information that is guiding their decisions? Are they accurately representing the community, and are they using unbiased community surveys to shape their opinions?
- Get a sense of how connected your school board members are to the real work and realities of local schools. Ask them when was the last time they visited a classroom or had conversations with educators. Ask them if they value and listen to the professional expertise and recommendations from the educators the board has hired.
- How knowledgeable are your school board members? Have they attended state training sessions, which three members of the Anoka-Hennepin board did not, claiming the training pushed an agenda instead of recognizing how it would inform them of the basic parameters and protocols for operating as an effective board?
Historically, school boards have been non-partisan entities. Historically, America’s pluralistic public education system made us the envy of the world. Let’s not let history say that we missed this moment to stand up for the democratic rights schools seek to advance. Let students feel safe for who they are and let teachers teach in ways that promote critical thinking and opportunities for students to draw from their backgrounds to make the learning environment richer for all.