On this episode: Ballotpedia CEO and founder Leslie Graves joins host Norm Leahy to share insights from a yearlong “virtual listening tour” with 100 school board members across 33 states. The conversations revealed struggles that rarely make headlines, including the challenges boards face in accessing reliable data on student achievement, how political tension bleeds into their work, the difficulty of moving past conflict, and the reality that most members are volunteers trying to balance limited time with big responsibilities. The story of these local officials underscores how much of American democracy happens far from the spotlight, and why understanding their struggles matters for anyone trying to make sense of our schools and politics.

• Read Leslie’s Column: https://ballotpedia.org/From_the_desk_of_Leslie_Graves 

• Learn more about the tour: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_School_Board_Listening_Tour 

Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 

Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates 

Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at [email protected] or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.

*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.