Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Here’s an election year question for you.
Which local elected officials collectively control the biggest percentage of the money you pay in state and local taxes? The answer, quite simply, is those individuals who serve on local school boards. It is why KSL, in this tense political season where high-profile races get most of the hype, urges you give more than passing attention to your local school board candidates.
According to various polls and surveys, Utahns repeatedly identify education as a priority issue. Yes, it’s nice to know where the gubernatorial candidates stand and what those running for the legislature think, but when it comes to directly impacting your schools and your children, don’t overlook your local board of education.
School board members have enormous impact on issues close to home: property tax levies; the construction and closing of schools; busing routes; school boundaries; administrative hiring; even what kids eat for school lunch. In many counties, the school district is the largest employer with the biggest budget, and school board members oversee it.
So, KSL encourages you to become aware of who is running for the board of education in your area. Their campaigning, most likely, will be low-key. Regardless, considering the magnitude of their influence on your community, they are races not to be taken for granted.
