Next school board election starts now

The Press has supported Sen. Mary Souza’s efforts to move school board elections from obscure spring dates to the much more popular November general election cycle. Our reasoning is fairly simple: Single digits. That’s the turnout school board elections generate around here, and it’s unacceptable.

But we confess to having some reservations, which also are fairly simple: Does greater turnout assure better representation if the vast majority of additional voters are ignorant about the issues and candidacies within their school district? In other words, would you rather have a handful of well-informed citizens do the choosing, or a bunch of people exercising their constitutional right without a clue about who or what they’re voting on? Think carefully before answering.

That there’s some school-board generated opposition to Souza’s proposed change in the coming session is a healthy development. Debating pros and cons of election calendar changes will raise awareness statewide about oft-ignored elections that probably have a greater impact on you, your children and your neighbors than the ever-popular presidential prize every fourth November. (If you don’t believe that, start by looking at your property tax bill.) But being aware of the issue and being armed with voter information aren’t the same thing.

Invariably come election time, be it in May or November, even some fairly diligent Press subscribers wonder why there isn’t more election info. We’ve addressed that perception in various ways over the years, including special publications devoted to candidates and issues, free candidate endorsement letters, and even front-page candidate profiles. Some of it sticks, and some of it doesn’t.

So here’s a suggestion, voters. Keep your antenna up even when an election isn’t imminent. Pay attention to at least some of the hundreds of items this newspaper publishes every year that involve local public schools. Do you like the way they’re being run? If not, what would you like to see done differently? Speak out by writing letters to the editor or posting comments on digital versions of our stories. Most importantly, build a solid frame of reference so that when the next election rolls around, you’ll know what issues are most important to you and who represents the kind of education leadership you want.

And if you’re still not happy? Consider running for school board yourself.