Voters should look beyond the label when casting ballots for public schools

This November, Hoosier voters will see something new on their ballots. For the first time, school board candidates may appear with a party affiliation beside their names. 

The Indiana State Teachers Association opposed this change. We believed then, and still believe now, that decisions about local schools should be centered on students, educators and communities rather than partisan loyalty. But with the election approaching, the most useful question is no longer whether the law should have passed. It is how voters should respond.

The answer is simple: Do not let a party label do your homework for you.

According to candidate filings from the Indiana Election Division, more than 1,000 people are running for 805 school board seats, and roughly half selected a party affiliation. Among those candidates, about 72% chose Republican, 13% chose Democrat, 14% chose Independent and a small number selected a third party.

Those numbers tell us something about Indiana’s political landscape. They do not tell us which candidates will be strong advocates for their local public schools.

A party label can provide one piece of information, but it cannot tell voters whether a candidate supports adequate funding for public schools, meaningful increases in educator pay or the freedom for students to learn. It cannot tell them whether a candidate will listen to educators and families, protect public dollars from privatization or make decisions based on the needs of the community.

Neither major party has a monopoly on supporting public education. There are Republicans, Democrats and independents who understand that strong public schools are essential to strong communities. There are also candidates across the political spectrum whose records, priorities or rhetoric do not match what students and educators need.

That is why voters should examine records, not just labels.

For candidates who have held office, look at how they have voted. Did they support meaningful investments in public education? Did they stand up for students and educators when budgets were tight or politically motivated proposals threatened local classrooms?

For first-time candidates, listen closely to what they say and what they avoid saying. Have they spent time listening to educators, families and students? Do they understand the actual responsibilities of the office? Are they focused on solving Hoosiers’ problems, or are they importing national political fights into our schools?

Those questions are especially important in school board races. Board members oversee budgets, hire and evaluate superintendents, adopt policies and make decisions that directly affect students and school employees. A party label is not a school board job description. 

ISTA’s beliefs remain clear. Every student deserves a well-funded public school, qualified educators, a safe and welcoming learning environment and the freedom to receive an honest, complete education. We will support candidates who share those commitments and hold accountable those who do not, regardless of party.

This election, voters should do the same. Look beyond the label. Study the record. Ask the questions. Then vote for the candidates who will truly stand up for Indiana’s public schools.