Bigger Than Politics: Why Public Schools Need Nonpartisan Leadership
Public education is the bedrock of our communities, economy and democracy, shaping the future by equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed for college, careers and civic life. Whatever our differences, families across our district share a common goal: safe, high-quality schools that prepare students for real-world success.
Yet, in recent years, education has become increasingly politicized, with partisan debates too often overshadowing the real issues that impact students, teachers and families and preventing progress toward common-sense solutions. This shift is not only unproductive, but it also undermines the very mission of public education.
Public schools exist to serve all students, regardless of their family’s political beliefs, economic status, race, ethnicity or cultural background. A strong public school system benefits everyone—attracting families, strengthening local economies and contributing to safer, more vibrant neighborhoods. That’s why we need nonpartisan leadership—leaders who will focus on student success, rather than political ideology, and are responsive to their communities, rather than party leaders.
When partisanship seeps into school governance, it diverts attention from what truly matters: student achievement, teacher support and resource allocation. District decisions should be based on research, data and community needs, not party affiliation, and should ensure every child has access to the tools they need to reach their full potential.
I have spent my career navigating complex conversations that require bridge-building across perspectives, including political differences. At Powell Tate—founded and directed by press secretaries from the Carter and Reagan administrations—I helped shape messaging on behalf of the U.S. Army that had to speak across contexts and perspectives. Today, my work with The United Methodist Church has reinforced the importance of bringing people with very different understandings and lived experiences together to serve a shared mission.
I have seen firsthand how nonpartisan leadership leads to stronger, more effective solutions. Public education deserves the same approach.
Nonpartisan leadership in public education means making decisions based on student outcomes and rooted in the community’s unique needs. It means taking the time to listen to parents, teachers and administrators, to work collaboratively to solve problems, and to ensure that all voices are not only present at the table, but are heard and valued. When the community isn’t heard, it erodes trust in the system as a whole, which we simply can’t afford in today’s landscape.
Strong, nonpartisan school board members:
Put students first – Every board decision should be made with student achievement as the top priority. This includes focusing on closing achievement gaps, ensuring equitable access to resources and supporting the most effective teaching methods.
Foster open communication – A nonpartisan approach encourages dialogue with all stakeholders, including parents, educators and community members, to ensure that a diversity of perspectives is considered.
Follow the data – Policy decisions should be informed by educational research, student performance data and best practices, not by a trustee’s personal preference or political ideology.
Make responsible financial decisions – Budgeting should prioritize student success, teacher support and long-term sustainability rather than political pressure or short-term wins.
As voters, parents and community members, we all have a role to play in keeping public education focused on what matters most—our students. When considering candidates for school board positions or advocating for education policies, we should ask: Is this someone who is speaking on behalf of students? Is this decision being made with student success in mind, or is it focused on issues that impact the adults in the room?
Public education is too important to be reduced to party lines—after all, these races are nonpartisan for a reason.
That’s why I’m committed to running a nonpartisan campaign. Specifically, I am not accepting campaign contributions—whether monetary or in-kind—from:
Partisan organizations,
Political action committees (PACs), or
Individuals who don’t live or work within RISD’s geographic bounds.
While these sorts of contributions may be legally acceptable and permitted by other campaigns, it’s important that my campaign remain a strictly community-led and community-supported movement. All of my financial support comes from neighbors and members of our RISD community who believe in putting the students first.
The future of our children and our communities depends on leaders who are willing to put politics aside and make decisions that truly benefit students. With my background in nonpartisan leadership—bringing people together despite the differences we may see on paper—I am committed to building bridges, person to person, to ensure RISD remains committed to student success.
