Christian Conservatives Are Actively Influencing School Boards in Placer County

In three months, Placer County voters will make decisions at the ballot box that could have lasting impacts on our public education system. School boards are among the most influential elected bodies in local government. They make important decisions about student curriculum, budgets, policies and the needs and values of their communities. These local leaders have the power to shape students’ educational experiences and the direction of their schools.

The November 3 election is an important opportunity for voters to determine the road map of public education in Placer County. Western Placer Unified School District (WPUSD),  serves Lincoln and surrounding communities, and operates 14 public schools. Rocklin is served by Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD), which operates 17 schools, including elementary, middle and high schools.

The Conservative Christian Influence

Among the candidates seeking school board seats are individuals who have affiliations with conservative Christian organizations and movements. These connections raise questions about the growing influence of organized conservative Christian politics in local public education.

Not every conservative Christian candidate supports all of the same policies or objectives. However, issues frequently associated with this movement include: increased conservative parental control over schools; restrictions on LGBTQ-related materials; challenges to books, leading to banning books and curriculum restrictions; promoting Christian values in public education; and opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

In RUSD, there is publicly documented evidence of support between some candidates and conservative Christian organizations. Destiny Church and the American Council are among organizations associated with advocacy for candidates and policies promoting what supporters describe as a “biblical worldview.” Tiffany Saathoff and Dereck Counter have been identified with these organizations.

Western Placer Unified

In WPUSD, Marjorie Proffitt is among the candidates whose political and organizational affiliations have attracted attention. Proffitt has received support from the Leadership Fund, a conservative political organization that has also supported Congressman Kevin Kiley. She has also expressed alliance with Moms for Liberty, a national parental-rights organization that has become active in school-board elections and debates over curriculum, LGBTQ issues and library books.

Why This Matters

School board elections can have consequences far beyond individual board meetings. For that reason, voters should look carefully at candidates’ positions, endorsements, organizational affiliations and sources of campaign support—not simply their campaign slogans.

Public schools serve students and families from many different backgrounds and beliefs. The question for voters is whether school board policies will reflect the needs of the entire community or increasingly reflect the agenda of organized ideological movements.

Vote wisely. Our children deserve the best education possible—one that provides opportunity, academic excellence and a welcoming environment for every student, without allowing outside ideological influences to determine the direction of our public schools.

-Special to the PlacerDems Blog by Debra Skolnick, PCDCC Communications Member and Lincoln resident