Here in the Midwest...

most kids go to public schools in their communities.  You buy into your community school district, which property taxes and state-aid formulas support.  Today is April 5, election day in many parts.  Though I crossed the border and relocated to Minnesota years ago, I still follow the local schools in the county right across the border -- affluent "bedroom" exoburbs to the Cities now, more attractive as more people don't have to communte and can "work from home."

Anyway, it is interesting to see the focus on education and children and the more assertive roles people are playing in asking questions like:  Should school board seats have term limits?  and questioning overall what the role of the school district is in educating children -- emphasizing the safe space part of it, or putting the emphasis on substantive education.

More and more, parents are opting for "learn at home" options for their children too.  The school districts in Wisconsin can raise revenue by setting up remote learning opportunities that any child throughout the state can enroll in.  The school districts that do this can then collect the per-student revenue from the state, without have to pay for physical infrastructure costs like buildings and buses and lunch-room aides or security guards.

Here are some of the more interesting questions and answers from one local (academically pretty good; athletically excellent) school board survey:

How much freedom should teachers have over curriculum? Should they be allowed to discuss controversial topics such as critical race theory, the 2020 presidential election, COVID-19, etc. with students? I believe they should have a ton of freedom and I believe certain controversial topics are OK at certain levels, as long as all children are empowered to share and stand for their beliefs on controversial topics. 

I believe that when topics regarding beliefs are discussed, that they are discussed and not taught, and that space is always created for conflicting beliefs. When belief type topics are discussed in school it should not come from a right or wrong perspective, but one of mutual respect where it is made clear that conflicting beliefs on these topics exist and all perspectives will be welcomed and respected.

Teachers should only introduce topics for educational purposes and not for imparting their beliefs on the students. This is the danger of sensitive belief type topics, that certain beliefs, perspectives, or worse children are marginalized or bullied for their beliefs. Beliefs should be taught at home, but some can be discussed at school when handled appropriately.

However, I believe schools should never promote discrimination and therefore Critical Race Theory should be kept out of schools. There is no place in our schools for racism, discrimination and stereotypes. 

Should district staff be required to report students they suspect might be a danger to other students? I would need more information regarding what would be reported and to who, as well as how danger is being defined. Everyone in our district should be doing what they can to help keep all our students safe.  

Should there be term limits for board members? There is an undeniable learning curve as a member of the school board. It takes nearly one full term just to learn all the parameters of the job and how to perform the duties effectively.  

I don’t believe there ought to be state-wide limits because in small, rural communities it can be very difficult to find willing and qualified people to serve in that capacity. Every community is different and what is good for Madison or Milwaukee may not be best for Hammond or Somerset.

If someone is qualified and doing an excellent job, the voters of the community should decide if that person continues in that capacity, not the legislature in Madison.    

What should the district's number one priority be? To allocate resources to achieve the best results for every student in the district.

What should the district's number one priority be? Creating schools where children of all backgrounds and beliefs are welcomed and empowered to succeed. 

What should the district’s number one priority be? The number one priority should be to create a safe and secure space for children to thrive regardless of their interests or backgrounds.

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The number one priority of the schools should be to educate children at their individual level to function in society, imho.  Those who are disabled, or otherwise need special help, are legally entitled to a plan to help meet their special needs.  I think the parents can help select the best school via where they buy homes or choose to rent, and can choose the most academically challenging curriculum to help grow their children's minds, if they prioritize that.  Many parents default to the school districts to educate and help raise their children.  Many parents put a higher priority on education in the home, especially in the early years, in addition to the public schooling they receive.  You have to make schools "safe places" for all, but that should be a given.  Children with exceptional academic promise need to be nurtured, but when the schools cannot provide that, and actually hold some children's learning back to accommodate others, it's time to seek out new opportunities for your child.