Find an IOWA example! Put up or shut up.The changes in Iowa that some of you have cited have no impact on the below.
School reformers have made many attempts to organize groups that counterbalance union influence at the ballot box. But despite the valiant efforts, the unions are rarely knocked off their perch. As Hartney writes, “Across time and space, irrespective of the political or geographic environment, union-backed candidates are much more likely to win than their unendorsed counterparts on Election Day.” Perhaps the winds will shift with the rise of parent-driven advocacy and frustration with teachers unions’ role in recent education debacles. But if history (and political science) is our guide, they’ll remain highly active in school board elections—it’s in their self-interest to be—and get their way more times than not. With political clout like this, it’s no wonder why adult interests dominate our public schools.
Teachers unions’ power to elect school board members
Just over a decade ago, the Brookings Institution published Terry Moe’s eye-opening book on teachers unions. His study revealed how local unions shape public education through the process of electing school board members. If their electioneering efforts were successful—and without much organized...fordhaminstitute.org
