Folks that know me know of my great love of education! Apart from coming to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, I believe a quality education has the greatest impact in a person’s life and future. I also believe that parents are both the primary educators and decision-makers for their children. There are some who believe the education of children should be left to professional educators and parents should simply trust their local schools. I do not share this belief.
While it may sound like a good idea, there are many school systems around the country that—put simply—hide things about children from parents. Further, decisions about curriculum often lack transparency at best and, at worst, are also hidden from parents. News stories about questionable books with content unfit to be read aloud at local school board meetings abound, making for rather dramatic videos shared across the internet for all to see.
I have been pleased to see many more parents becoming interested in the schools their children attend and getting involved in the process of determining how those schools are led, the curriculum used, etc. Upon taking a closer look, many parents are fed up and participating in this very political process. How? Many are showing up at school board meetings and some are even running for seats on those boards themselves. For my part, I think that is a fantastic idea for a number of reasons!
Local school boards play a crucial role in shaping the education system and ensuring the well-being of students in their communities. While viewpoint diversity is important in any decision-making body, the involvement of conservative Christians on local school boards brings a unique perspective and valuable contributions. Here, I want to offer three points in support of conservative Christians being involved in local school boards.
Upholding Moral Values: Conservative Christians often emphasize the importance of moral values and ethics based on their religious beliefs. Our involvement in local school boards can help ensure that schools maintain a strong foundation of integrity, respect, and discipline. By promoting these values, conservative Christians can contribute to fostering a safe and nurturing environment for students to learn and grow. Our perspectives can help guide policies and decisions that align with the community’s moral fabric and create a positive school culture.
Protecting Religious Freedom: Lest some forget: religious freedom is a fundamental right guaranteed in the United States Constitution. Conservative Christians can and should play a vital role in safeguarding this freedom within the education system. Our involvement in local school boards ensures that religious perspectives are considered when making decisions regarding religious holidays, prayer in schools, curriculum content, or accommodations for students’ religious practices. This inclusivity not only respects the diversity of beliefs but also encourages dialogue and understanding among students and the broader community.
Promoting Parental Involvement: Conservative Christians often emphasize the importance of strong family values and parental involvement in education. When conservative Christians are part of local school boards, we bring a deep appreciation for the role of parents in their children’s education. Our involvement can help foster meaningful partnerships between schools and families, encouraging parental engagement and creating avenues for collaboration. Through active participation in decision-making processes, conservative Christians can champion policies that prioritize parental rights, allowing families to have a greater say in their children’s education.
While I strongly believe diversity of perspectives is essential in any decision-making body, the involvement of conservative Christians on local school boards brings specific strengths and benefits. Our commitment to upholding moral values, protecting religious freedom, and promoting parental involvement enriches the education system and contributes to the holistic development of students. I believe active participation in school board meetings is a good place to start. Better still would be for Conservative Christians to prayerfully consider seeking seats on local school boards across the country where our voices can be heard especially when things are done away from the eyes and ears of concerned parents.