Would you rather not know up front who stands with which political party?

By TIFFANY PASCOE
Guest Columnist

I am honored to serve as a member of the HSE School Board of Trustees, as well as a Precinct Committeeman. I am writing to express my strong support for Senate Bill 287.

I firmly believe that politics have no place in the classroom. However, the argument made by opponents of Senate Bill 287 – that the bill would inject politics into school boards and classrooms – is unfounded.

As we all know, politics already play a role in both areas. I would not have sought a seat on the HSE School Board to address this issue in our community had politics not already found its way into our schools.

The reality is that the role of politics in the classroom is inappropriate, and we must work to ensure that this is minimized, not further entrenched.

Why are we attempting to deceive voters? Currently, school board is the only elected position that does not require candidates to declare a party affiliation. This lack of transparency is an issue that needs to be addressed.

Across the United States, we are witnessing a growing mistrust in government. Voters and media outlets are increasingly focused on what is happening in our schools and the decisions that affect our children. As a state, our greatest asset is our youth. So, why are we withholding transparency when it comes to the governance that oversees and serves them?

A candidate should have no objection to openly adhering to their moral or ethical code, just as they should be transparent about their political party, unless they have something to hide.

Senate Bill 287 would also allow school board candidates to run in primaries, providing them with more time to engage with voters and address the finer details of their campaigns and the voters voice.

This extended campaign period would benefit voters, allowing them to make more informed decisions. The increased transparency provided by this bill gives voters a clearer picture, helping them make more confident and informed choices in the voting booth.

As a Precinct Committeeman, it is my duty to ensure that voters have the most honest and equitable voting experience possible. Requiring school board candidates to declare a party affiliation would also increase voter turnout and build greater voter confidence. In fact, North Carolina’s experience shows that partisan affiliation in school board elections has led to higher voter participation.

Furthermore, Senate Bill 287 addresses an important issue for straight-ticket voters: if they vote straight ticket and complete their ballot without selecting school board candidates, those races are skipped entirely. This is a gap we should be working to close, not perpetuate. Why would we want to prevent a higher voter turnout?

Why should we withhold transparency regarding school board candidates, the governing body of our state’s most important asset – our youth?

Senate Bill 287 presents a common-sense solution that promotes transparency, boosts voter confidence, and increases voter turnout.

When testifying on behalf of the bill at the Statehouse, I asked the Representatives to help me understand why there were no objections to candidates having a party affiliation when they ran for the seats they currently hold. Why is this any different for school board candidates? The Representatives had no comments.

It’s time to streamline transparency for the voters. As elected officials, it is our duty to serve the voters, and it is their right to make informed decisions.

Opposing Senate Bill 287 sends a clear message: the goal is not to increase voter turnout. It suggests that there is little interest in enhancing voter confidence. Not supporting this bill would be an insult to the voters.

Tiffany Pascoe serves on the Hamilton Southeastern Schools Board of Trustees representing District 1, as well as a Precinct Committeeman in Wayne Township.

This statement reflects Tiffany Pascoe’s opinion and hers alone.