District school boards have become political hotbeds for book bans and more – here’s what they actually do

Liberal candidates swept local school board elections on April 7, 2026, in politically contentious districts across Wisconsin, Missouri, Alaska, and Oklahoma. These elections became forums for debates over book bans, gender identity, and prayer during school events. School boards, which typically have five to 21 members and approximately 13,000 districts nationwide, make critical decisions impacting students, parents, and teachers, including budget allocations and hiring superintendents. Historically, school board elections have low voter turnout, with nearly 40% going uncontested. The outcomes indicate a shift in local educational governance regarding culturally sensitive issues.