The Radicalization of American School Boards and Its Impact on Local School and Community Contexts

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Ten
  In Roundtable Session: Equity and Organizational Contexts in Educational Leadership (Table 6)

Abstract

Over the past two years there has been a national effort to use local school boards as a tool to promote a far right agenda. This presentation outlines the radicalization of American school boards and looks closely at one district and the ways in which their policies have been drastically overhauled in the wake of the 2021 election cycle. Through content analysis of press articles, transcripts of school board meetings, public comment, and social media posts, we will examine how the relationship between the school district and the community is influencing the collective self-efficacy of school boards, superintendents, teachers, librarians, and other educational professionals. Moreover, we will discuss what this means for the students and the future of public education.

Authors

• Tabitha Dell'Angelo, The College of New Jersey
  Presenting Author

• Raymond A. Lauk, Eastern Kentucky University
  Presenting Author

• Jodi Empol-Schwartz, Montgomery County Community College
  Presenting Author