On this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer welcomes author Scott R. Levy to discuss his new book, Why School Boards Matter: Reclaiming the Heart of American Education and Democracy. Scott shares his journey from Wall Street to serving on his local school board in 2015, driven by the unintended negative consequences he observed from federal programs like Race to the Top.
We dive into how school boards transitioned from being a "quiet part" of civic society to a focal point of public consciousness during the COVID years and following George Floyd, dealing with intense issues from school reopening to DEI and curriculum. Scott draws parallels between corporate and educational governance, noting that while corporate boards are studied and considered central to organizational success, school boards have historically been overlooked or even suggested for abolition despite their vital role.
Scott argues that school boards are the true front lines of democracy, operating with a level of public engagement and accountability—through open meetings and public comment periods—that other levels of government often lack. We explore the political dynamic of power shifting away from local school boards to state and federal governments across both red and blue states, leading to a loss of the crucial local control element. Scott advocates for a balanced approach, emphasizing that local control allows for the necessary nuance to address unique community issues, foster civil discourse, and serve as a buffer against potentially authoritarian or ill-fitting laws from above.
We wrap up by outlining ways to strengthen school boards, stressing the importance of high voter turnout in local elections and the need for members to adopt a thoughtful governance partner role—avoiding both micromanagement and being a "rubber stamp" for the administration.
Key Takeaways:
School Boards as the Democratic Core: School boards are a unique and essential layer of American democracy, operating in the open with mandated public comment, which forces direct engagement and local accountability unlike other governing bodies.
The Power of Local Control: Despite a uniform, bipartisan trend to shift power to the state level, local control is necessary for districts to tailor solutions to their unique challenges (like academic outcomes, mental health, or absenteeism) and for "island districts" (e.g., Austin, Texas, or conservative towns in liberal states) to manifest their values.
Essential School Board Member Skills: Effective board members must take a big picture view, act as a thoughtful governance partner for the district (not a micromanager or a rubber stamp), and, crucially, listen carefully to their constituents before making decisions for the overall community.
If you've ever felt disconnected from national or state politics, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that your voice matters most at the local level. We present a strong, affirmative case for the importance of school boards, an often-overlooked institution that shapes the education of over 50 million students and serves as a vital model for civil discourse in our fractured society. Tune in to understand why engaging in school board elections and meetings is a direct way to strengthen public education and make our democracy healthier.
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00:00 Introduction Scott's Background
01:34 Transition to Wall Street and Return to Education
02:23 Involvement in Nonprofits and School Boards
04:37 Running for the School Board
07:39 COVID-19 and Social Issues in School Boards
10:07 The Importance of School Boards in Democracy
15:26 Political Polarization and Governance
21:09 Local Control and School Boards
29:38 Strengthening School Boards and Civic Engagement
34:58 Skills and Development
38:41 Final Thoughts