Should school board members declare themselves a political party?

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FL. Florida has six amendments on the November ballot.

Amendment 1 allows voters to decide whether to include party affiliation in candidates running for school board.

WPTV reporter Romelo Styles explored the implications of the amendment, which some say could impact the future of education.

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Indian River County Moms for Freedom President Jennifer Pippin supports the measure.

“We are asking voters to vote yes to ensure full transparency,” Pippin said.

In contrast, Jennifer Freeland, president of the Indian River County Education Association, opposes the amendment.

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“Mixing politics and education will never benefit students,” Freeland said.

If approved by 60% of voters, Amendment 1 would turn school board elections into partisan races. This means that the candidate’s political party will be on the ballot, leading to a primary election.

WPTV

“Every place inherently has a political aspect,” Pippin said. “While we do not seek partisan influence in what teachers teach our children, we must recognize that decisions affecting our children, teachers and staff are often partisan.”

“We must seek school board candidates who align with the expectations, values ​​and morals of our parents,” Freeland said. “This is what we need to deal with here, not some political circus or tool.”

A “no” vote would maintain the current system that prevents school board candidates from running with a party affiliation. More than 20 years ago, school board elections in Florida were partisan, but in 1998 voters changed the Florida Constitution to make elections nonpartisan.