School Board politics

Politics is apparently a dirty word. Especially when it comes to the Saratoga Springs Board of Education race, where a local group fervently claims their efforts to re-arm grounds monitors through their chosen candidates are “not political”. The truth is, all elections are political. Politics is an inherent part of our democratic system.

Money is what they have brought to the race. No past school board candidate in this district has ever spent more than $500, and suddenly we have 3 candidates with $33,000. Money has changed the dynamics, has shifted the question over who will win to be based on who made the most robocalls, or who put up the most signs. It’s certainly not based on the issues. The Saratoga Parents for Safer Schools is the primary mouthpiece for their slate of candidates, we’re not hearing much from the candidates themselves about what makes for a qualified school board trustee. We’re not talking about what is important to make the Saratoga School system better for all students. We’re talking about the money. We’re talking about the signs. We’re talking about purchasing out of state political consultants.

I hope that people are seeking out information on all of the seven candidates’ positions – not just on the question of how to address school safety, but about how to address budget challenges, what candidates know about the ability to address class size, mental health treatments, racial disparities in school discipline, increasing services for students at all levels. A high-priced campaign to elect school board trustees cannot be our substitute for choosing the most qualified candidates. They’ve made it about the money – and it’s up to voters in this district to reject the money and focus on who is best to serve our school district.

Norah Brennan Saratoga Springs