A Think Twice Review of:

Review of Who's on Board? School Boards and Political Representation in an Age of Conflict

Think Twice - Mar 26, 2026

Publisher/Think Tank - Fordham Institute

Author(s) - David M. Houston and Michael T. Hartney

A recent Fordham Institute report surveys more than 5,000 school board members across over 3,000 districts, finding they are disproportionately White, college educated, and often current or former teachers, with politics and beliefs that largely mirror both the U.S. public and their local communities.

Reviewer(s) - Carrie Sampson, Arizona State University; Jeanne M. Powers, Arizona State University

In their review of Who's on Board? School Boards and Political Representation in an Age of Conflict, Arizona State University professors Carrie Sampson and Jeanne M. Powers find the report offers a useful snapshot of board composition, political orientation, and perceptions.