Gov. Ron DeSantis has endorsed 23 school board candidates across 14 counties this cycle, targeting 14 incumbent members to counter what he calls “woke” ideology in public schools. The debate in the races has centered around “parents' rights” as both parties vie for the support of suburban women.
The parental rights movement, born out of opposition to pandemic precautions in schools, now focuses on complaints about classroom instruction on identity, race, and history.
The view from Pinellas County
Katie Blaxberg, a Republican and former legislative aide running for a seat on the Pinellas County School Board, supports school choice and parental involvement in the classroom. However, she believes activists behind the parents’ rights movement have crossed a line.
Blaxberg has faced online trolling and personal attacks, including increased security measures at her home. She has found herself at odds with the local chapter of Moms for Liberty, a conservative group, which has targeted her online.
Pinellas County, historically a swing county, has seen conservative activism rise, with activists reading explicit passages from books at school board meetings and making controversial allegations against educators.
Republican officials, including Gov. DeSantis, are backing school board candidates aligned with the parental rights movement, aiming to influence local school districts, which are significant employers and landowners in their counties.
Republican officials rally behind school board candidates
DeSantis, known for his stance on culture wars, has supported Moms for Liberty in their efforts to influence school boards nationwide. The movement has gained momentum in Pinellas County, drawing support from other Republican candidates like Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna.
Liberal groups have emerged to counter conservative candidates, with the Florida Democratic Party endorsing its slate of school board candidates. Critics warn of potential disruptions if conservative-leaning school boards target superintendents, as seen in other counties.
The political landscape surrounding Florida school boards reflects a broader national debate on education, with competing ideologies shaping the future of public schooling in the state.
