Presidential candidates in New Hampshire may get the most attention but in fifth grade classrooms throughout the state, students are preparing to launch real-world campaigns of their own. They will first learn the ropes of state government and the elections process before nominating candidates to serve full-year terms in office. Jo Ann Robichaud, project coordinator for New Hampshire s Kid Governor Project, said students learn how the government can help address issues they care about including homelessness, food insecurity and mental health. .
Extreme candidates are running for school boards across Washington state, and if they win, opponents warned they could threaten the safety of some students. The far-right group Moms for Liberty has 10 chapters in Washington and has been influential in school board races across the country. Amy Nylen, vice president of the Ferndale Education Association, said the candidates running in her district are aligned with Moms for Liberty, although there is not a local chapter. .
A group formed to oppose COVID-19 mask mandates is expanding its agenda to influence school board elections, and a national watchdog group believes another goal is defunding public education. The group "Moms for Liberty" launched in Florida in 2021 with a mission to "unify, educate and empower parents." With eight chapters in Texas, the organization also opposes LGBTQ-positive policies in schools and related materials in school libraries. Lisa Graves, executive director of True North Research, believes the group, which does not disclose its funding, is making another attempt to advance private schools. .
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and in the near future North Dakota public school students will be more knowledgeable about the topic. The state recently adopted a law requiring such curriculum in K-12 schools. High schoolers will have to take either a computer science or cybersecurity course to graduate. .