Missing Voices: Increasingly Disproportionate Racial Representation on School Boards

Abstract

This case study examines the intersection of racial identity and education governance in a NYC suburb experiencing radical racial demographic shifts. While Latine/x¹ populations have grown, they remain significantly underrepresented in locally elected office, particularly on the school board. The case explores systemic barriers in the political process that impede the creation of a multiracial candidate pipeline for school boards. By analyzing the lived experiences of school board members, the case highlights how structural, individual, and social barriers, along with identity awareness, or lack thereof, impact school system leadership.

Keywords

school boards democracy representation education politics elections education governance racial representation BILPOC

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