Small Government Takeover: The Politics of School Board Dissolution and the Impact on Student Achievement

• In Event: School Boards: Repair, Replace, or Face the Consequences

Abstract

State takeovers of public-school districts are a controversial method to help fix struggling schools across the United States. This paper looks at the reasons behind takeovers, their effects on schools and communities, and both the positive and negative aspects of state involvement. We examine specific examples from three southwestern public school districts and laws to understand how takeovers influence school performance, community participation, and district operations. Additionally, we consider the role of factors like socioeconomic conditions and political climate in determining the success of state interventions. Our goal is to contribute to the ongoing conversation about whether state takeovers are an effective solution for the complex challenges facing underperforming schools and school districts.

Author

• Warren Seay, Arent Fox Schiff LLP