California School Board Members and Their Motivations to Run for Political Office

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Sunday 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Collective Wisdom, Networked Action: Rebuilding School–Community Relationships for Equitable Futures

Abstract

This study explores the motivations of ten racially diverse California school board members to run for political office through integration of motivation (Cavalier, 2001) and intersectionality (Crenshaw, 1989) theories. Preliminary findings from interviews with six board members show that participants, shaped by their lived experiences and careers, were often driven to serve marginalized students. All described receiving encouragement to run, though only women of color also reported being actively discouraged. Across cases, motivations were tied to identity, community connection, and a sense of duty to represent students inadequately served by the district. These early insights suggest that fostering inclusive leadership will require more attention to the conditions that influence who chooses and is supported to step into roles of educational governance.

Authors

• Akunna Faith Uka, University of Southern California

• Mariana de França Steil, University of Southern California

• Amanda Lauren Pickett, University of Delaware

• Vandeka J. Rodgers, University of Delaware