Elections
Learn more about how federal, state, and local elections affect schools
Election Guide 2022: Results on the Issues and Races Affecting K-12
Education was at the heart of some of the most contentious issues on voters' minds as they weigh candidates from governor to local school board.
Federal
The Topic That Didn't Get a Single Mention in Biden-Trump Debate
K-12 schools—after animating state and local elections in recent years—got no airtime.
Teaching Profession
The Election, AI, and More: What to Expect From the NEA's Massive Assembly
Thousands of delegates for the nation’s largest teachers' union are headed to Philadelphia to vote on pressing education issues.
States
The Surprising Contenders for State Superintendent Offices This Year
Two elections for the top education leadership job feature candidates who have never worked in public schools.
States
Should Voters Decide What Schools Teach?
Californians may vote to require a new high school finance course. Critics argue it sets a bad precedent.
Budget & Finance
How to Build Voter Support for School Bonds: 5 Tips
A ‘steady drumbeat of communication’ with lots of detailed information go a long way, district leaders say.
Budget & Finance
Passing School Bonds Is Hard. Advice From 3 Superintendents Who Did It
‘Educating instead of campaigning’ in an era when district leaders are under a political microscope.
School & District Management
Advocacy or Electioneering? Education Leaders Walk Fine Line in School Voucher Debate
Texas is cracking down on district leaders' allegedly political speech—in what others see as a pretext for quashing anti-voucher sentiment.
Social Studies
How Schools Can Prepare Students to Vote for the First Time
Students want more practical information about voting to prepare them for the polls.
Social Studies
Should Students Vote for School Boards? The Case for Lower Voting Ages in Local Elections
Doing so can give students more time to build lifelong voting habits, some advocates say.
States
Liberals Win Hotly Contested School Board Races in Backlash to Conservative Control
A Democrat who championed teacher pay raises was also reelected Kentucky's governor and Democrats won legislative majorities in Virginia.
School & District Management
What Happens When Educators Win School Board Seats, According to New Research
A new study explores what happens with student achievement, local charter schools, and teacher pay when educators win school board seats.
School & District Management
School Boards Are a Political Battleground, But Many Races Still Go Uncontested
There are still many misconceptions about the job of school board members.
School & District Management
MAP: How Much Voter Support Schools Need to Fix Their Buildings, by State
In most states, school district bonds can pass with support from a simple majority of voters. Ten states require more support.
School & District Management
Q&A
Behind a New Effort to Recruit and Support Progressive School Board Candidates
By targeting school board races, this political group hopes to recruit candidates who can counter conservative messages.