Kansas Board of Education races could shift power to conservative bloc

TOPEKA — Turnover on the Kansas Board of Education after the November election could tip the board’s balance of power in favor of conservative members.

Half of the board’s 10 seats are up for election. Republicans currently outnumber Democrats seven to three, but some moderate board members aren’t running for reelection, positioning the board for a potential ideological shake-up. All five races are contested, and the 12 candidates are differentiating themselves on such central issues as parental rights, public school funding and school safety ahead of Nov. 5.

The board is tasked with oversight of the Kansas Department of Education and supervision of public schools, but it has little control over funding, a responsibility of the legislative branch.

Two incumbents are running for reelection, and a pair of three-way races could split conservative votes. Many of this election’s Republican candidates align with the current board’s conservative faction on issues like religion in schools, arming teachers and parental involvement in instructional and functional decisions.




https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/22/kansas-board-of-education-races-could-shift-power-to-conservative-bloc/