For educational support professionals (ESPs), key workplace decisions are made beyond the locations of their day-to-day roles. Important decisions affecting ESPs are often made at the district level at board of education meetings. However, too often school board elections are overlooked in favor of larger, national contests. The truth is that for ESPs, these local elections may have a more immediate and meaningful impact than other votes, especially considering that many ESPs live in the communities in which they work.
School boards hold significant authority. They determine district policies, oversee budgets, negotiate contracts and set priorities that shape the educational environment. For ESPs, these decisions directly affect daily working conditions, from staffing levels and workloads to salary and health benefits. In some cases, school boards also decide whether essential roles such as custodial, transportation or paraprofessional services remain in-house or are outsourced. In short, this is your opportunity to elect your employer.
That makes voting and getting involved in board of education elections not just a civic duty, but a professional responsibility.
Unlike distant policymaking bodies, if you engage, there is a high chance that school board members will become more accessible. Candidates are often your neighbors, fellow parents or community members. They attend local events, participate in forums and can be approached with questions about issues that matter to ESPs. This accessibility is an opportunity. It allows you to learn where candidates stand and share your perspective as someone who understands the district from the inside.
This is where political power can be created. Political power is often associated with national elections or high-profile offices, but it is just as present at the local level. In school board elections, a relatively small number of votes can determine the outcome. Each vote carries weight, and organized participation can influence results in meaningful ways.
For ESPs, this creates a unique opportunity. By engaging in the process, learning about candidates, attending forums, asking informed questions and voting, you help shape the leadership that makes decisions about your career. When ESPs act together, their voices become stronger.
Consider what is at stake: fair wages, job security, safe working conditions, adequate education conditions for students and respect for the vital role ESPs play in education. These are not abstract issues. They are part of everyday life. Electing board members who value these priorities can lead to better policies and stronger collaboration between the community, staff and leadership.
Engagement should not end on election day. Staying informed, attending school board meetings and maintaining communication with elected officials helps ensure accountability. It reinforces the idea that the voices of ESPs matter in decision making.
Voting in board of education elections is about doing what is right for your profession. It is about taking an active role in shaping your workplace, student learning conditions and your community. As an ESP, you are not just an employee; you are a stakeholder with the power to influence the future of your district.
Take the time to learn about the candidates running in your town. Ask questions. Share your experiences. Most importantly, vote. When you step into the voting booth, you are not just choosing representatives. You are choosing the people who will make decisions about your profession and your community’s future.