Hello John,

 

The main question I get asked since founding the School Board Integrity Project is “What are your motives?”

 

At first, this question surprised me. We've been transparent from the start that our motives are in line with the majority of Minnesotans: We want schools where our kids are safe, seen, and supported with comprehensive and truthful learning.

 

When I thought about it more, however, I understood why people were cautious, suspicious even, in wanting to know our motives. There is a well-funded and highly coordinated national movement with motives that deserve careful scrutiny. These groups want to use local school boards as an opportunity to craft and test divisive messages, stoke fear, restrict freedoms to learn and to read, erode our public education institutions, and ultimately use our school boards as stepping stones for their political gain higher up the ballot.

 

The School Board Integrity Project is first and foremost a team of concerned Minnesotans who, like so many of you, have watched national rhetoric, extremism, and polarization grow within our local school board elections.

 

We saw a clear gap between candidates who share the majority of Minnesotans' values and the candidates who have been winning in these races over the last few years under the guise of messages like “protecting parental rights.” This was not a coincidence. Outside money and influence have been flooding into our school board races through organizations that are not being honest about their motives.

 

We need leaders who are in this for the right reasons. Leaders who will prioritize and advocate for the success of all students. Leaders who will be champions for the principles of integrity, respect, excellence, belonging, and truth. These are the leaders we work alongside and support through training, advocacy, and ongoing support.