School boards greatly influence how schools operate, what and how kids learn, and other issues that families must contend with. We spoke with Jonathan Collins, Associate Professor of Politics and Education, whose research focuses on school-based democratic innovation. Collins is also the Associate Director of TC’s Center for Educational Equity, and the Director of the new School Board and Youth Engagement Lab. 

How the public can advance school boards, according to Collins

• Run for school boards
• Push for more decentralization
• Advocate for school board candidates and members to be more democratic