Elections for community college board positions in California are attracting increased scrutiny, particularly as some races intensify, particularly in Southern California. Reports indicate that candidates and political action committees are spending significant sums, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars, on these campaigns, which contrasts sharply with numerous uncontested races in other parts of the state.
Surge in Political Activity
These elections, typically considered low-profile, are experiencing a surge in political activity this year, influenced by broader cultural issues, such as the presence of pride flags on campuses. This trend mirrors disputes in K-12 school districts across California, where similar themes have generated extensive public discourse, legal actions, and considerable election expenditures.
Intensity of Community College Board Races
Larry Galizio, president and CEO of the Community College League of California, noted that, while community college board races have not reached the intensity seen in some school board elections, tensions are indeed mounting. Among nearly 230 races scheduled for November, over half involve only a single candidate. In smaller or rural districts, such uncontested elections often result in cancellations, allowing candidates to assume office by default.
Uncontested Races in K-12 Governance
The prevalence of unchallenged races is also evident in K-12 governance, where analysis by EdSource shows that more than half of upcoming school board elections are uncontested as well.
Contentious Community College Board Meetings
Despite many races lacking competition, certain community college board meetings have become increasingly charged, particularly in reaction to contentious actions by trustees. For example, a failed attempt to prohibit pride flags in the North Orange County Community College District has galvanized political challengers.
Political Action Committees in Santa Clarita
In the Santa Clarita area, two rival political action committees have collectively raised over $450,000 to influence trustee elections at the College of the Canyons, underscoring the role of partisanship in education. Both groups accuse one another of prioritizing political agendas over educational concerns.
Fewer Competitive Elections at Cabrillo Community College
Conversely, the Cabrillo Community College District has seen fewer competitive elections. Following a controversial decision to rename its main campus, leading to public backlash, the forthcoming election was canceled due to a lack of opposition to the sole candidates. One of these uncontested candidates, Ken Wagman, expressed disappointment, highlighting the significance of competitive elections for fostering healthy democratic processes.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted perceptions of community college trustees, resulting in more vigorous reactions to board decisions. The display of pride flags has surged, eliciting both support and incidents of vandalism, particularly in conservative regions. This evolution in political engagement and scrutiny reflects the changing landscape of community college governance in California.
Political Party Identification on Ballots
While candidates must abstain from political party identification on ballots, endorsements frequently reveal party alignment. The ongoing dialogue emphasizes the complex interplay between educational policies and political ideologies, positioning community college boards as a representative microcosm of California’s broader political climate.
Challenges in Attracting Candidates in Rural Areas
In rural areas like Humboldt County, the challenge of attracting candidates for community college boards is pronounced, with several instances of unchallenged seats. In some cases, appointed members encounter difficulties due to the lack of electoral competition.
Transformative Phase for Community Colleges
The convergence of heightened political activity and the foundational structures of community college governance suggests a transformative phase for these institutions, mirroring larger societal shifts within the state.
Source: CalMatters