State school board elections play a crucial role in shaping educational policies and determining the direction of Utah’s K-12 schools. For decades, these elections were nonpartisan, allowing candidates to focus on addressing the needs and priorities of Utah’s students and families without the influence of party ideologies. However, in 2016, the Utah Legislature shifted school board elections to a partisan format, injecting political dynamics into decisions that were previously centered solely on improving educational outcomes for students.

Over the past several years, the effects of partisan elections have become increasingly apparent, fostering polarization and division among board members. A recent example of this is the formation of a Republican caucus within the state school board allowing 13 of 15 board members to hold closed-door meetings on key educational issues, effectively excluding the two Democratic members (as well as the public) from meaningful discussions.

Partisan elections risk placing political agendas ahead of the real needs of local schools. In Utah, debates over national cultural issues—prominent topics within the Republican platform—have dominated the conversation, despite directly impacting only a small fraction of students. This focus has diverted attention away from pressing challenges such as improving literacy and numeracy, ensuring school safety, and addressing the mental health crisis. Shifting priorities toward these critical areas is essential to support the success and well-being of all students.

For the future of Utah’s public schools, we must prioritize the educational needs of students over political ideologies. Decisions about education should center on enhancing student learning and ensuring high-quality outcomes, rather than being shaped by political trends. Returning to nonpartisan elections would help shift the focus toward selecting candidates based on their ideas, expertise, and commitment to building a thriving education system—free from the divisive politics that currently dominate our state.

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