Politics and School Funding
How much money a school district gets often depends on the political climate of its state or city. States with more progressive leadership tend to send additional resources to underfunded districts, particularly those in urban areas or serving large populations of students of color. While this can improve outcomes, it also means funding can swing dramatically when political leadership changes, creating instability in classrooms.
Local politics play a role too. In some cities, mayoral control over schools means education policy can change overnight not always in ways that benefit students.
Curriculum Battles and Censorship
From book bans to restrictions on teaching topics like race, gender, or certain parts of American history, curriculum censorship has become a growing trend. Supporters claim these measures protect children, but critics including the ACLU warn they reduce exposure to diverse perspectives and weaken critical thinking skills. In practice, these are classic examples of political issues in education undermining learning.
Putting Students First
The takeaway is clear: until we separate classroom priorities from political agendas, students will continue to face the consequences. Addressing political issues in education means:
- Funding schools based on need, not ideology
- Keeping curriculum decisions free from partisan interference
- Ensuring diverse leadership that delivers measurable improvements
Education should be about preparing students for the future not about winning the next political fight.
To explore these issues in detail, check out Lonnie Palmer’s book Politics and Education in K-12: Available on Amazon.
Or read the full blog: https://lonniepalmer.com/2025/08/15/political-issues-in-education/
