WE BELIEVE X PARENTSTOGETHER National Education Issue Guide
Education is on the ballot in the November general election. From school board seats to funding measures to candidates for state legislature with different ideas about how our education system should work, the decisions we make when we cast our votes on Nov. 5 will affect our children’s education and their future. It’s important for all parents to understand how the election outcome impacts our children’s freedom to learn, regardless of our political ideals or affiliations. All our kids should have the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and fully funded education system, and we can help make that happen with our votes.
Getting ready to vote
Before you head to the polls, it’s essential to understand the candidates and issues that will impact school systems nationally and in your community. Visit VOTE411 to check your voter registration, find your polling place, and learn what’s on the ballot. You can find local resources through your county or state elections office, too. Most candidates share their plans for education on their websites or in local voter guides. These plans can include important things like curriculum, student safety, mental health, or school funding.
Additionally, you can check your ballot for any local initiatives like bonds or levies that fund your local schools. These often fund school repairs or help school districts pay for programs like music or reading support, so it’s important to learn about them and make your choice. Make sure you note down all of these and keep them in mind while you are at the polls.
There are three main areas to watch in this election cycle, all of which have the potential to shape the future of education in the United States and your community:
- School Safety: Children learn best when their schools are safe, secure, and supportive. Many jurisdictions have ballot measures up for a vote this year that address school safety issues like increased funding for mental health, security infrastructure, and campus crisis preparedness. School board elections also determine who makes your school district’s policies on student safety and school emergency response.
- School Funding: Funding for every child’s school should be based on the students’ needs, not the neighborhood it’s in. Depending on the outcome of the upcoming election, there are plans to either increase or decrease funding for public school systems throughout the nation. School bonds and taxes could potentially fund facility renovations, classroom improvements, increased teacher pay, and more.
- Inclusive Education: Parents like us want schools that provide an inclusive curriculum, where every child is valued and set up for success regardless of who they are. Many races for elected office offer a choice between book bans and curriculum censorship, or fostering learning environments based on truth, collaboration between parents and teachers, and respect for all students.
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