The politicization of school boards in Florida has become a prominent issue, with the trend seemingly starting during the COVID-19 pandemic. The anti-mask and pro-masking rallies, the formation of groups like Moms For Liberty, and Governor Ron DeSantis’ endorsement of school board candidates have all contributed to this shift in the political landscape of school governance.
One significant move by Governor DeSantis was the appointment of five Republicans to the Broward County school board, replacing five Democrats. Similarly, he appointed two Republicans to the Miami-Dade County school board, further injecting partisan politics into what were previously non-partisan positions. This move has raised concerns among experts and former school board members about the impact of partisanship on local education policy.
Charles Zelden, a professor of history and politics at Nova Southeastern University, noted the increasing polarization in society and its influence on school board dynamics. Former Miami-Dade school board member and GOP congressman, Carlos Curbelo, emphasized the importance of keeping school board decisions focused on local issues rather than being swayed by national ideologies.
The upcoming school board elections in Broward and Miami-Dade counties will see DeSantis’ appointees vying to retain their seats. While Florida school board elections are currently non-partisan, there is a possibility of changing this status through Amendment One in November. Curbelo expressed concerns about the divisive nature of partisanship in school board races, highlighting how it can overshadow candidates’ qualifications and distract from the core focus of education.
The influence of national culture war issues on local school policy debates has been a point of contention. Curbelo emphasized the need for voters to look beyond party affiliations and focus on candidates’ stances on education. However, the reality is that political leanings often shape candidates’ platforms, with certain issues signaling their party alignment.
Despite criticisms of DeSantis’ endorsement of school board candidates, Florida’s secretary of education, Manny Diaz Jr., defended the governor’s actions, stating that his endorsements have led to more stable and focused school districts. While some argue that political endorsements can bring efficiency, others worry about the potential consequences of turning school board races into partisan battles.
In conclusion, the politicization of school boards in Florida reflects broader societal divisions and challenges the traditional notion of non-partisan governance. As the state grapples with the implications of partisan influence on education policy, the upcoming elections and potential changes to the non-partisan status of school board races will be critical in shaping the future of local education governance.
