KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho — During elections, moms often turn to each other for advice, especially concerning their children’s education.
On Election Day at Lakeland High School in North Idaho, Suzanne Gallus, a Republican mom and school advocate, was puzzled by the lack of response from parents she texted reminders to vote. “Nobody’s responding,” she said, frustrated by the silence from her contacts.
Nearby, Mary White, a MAGA Republican, was actively distributing cards listing Kootenai County Republican Central Committee (KCRCC)-endorsed candidates. She claimed that about “70 percent of the time, people vote for who’s on this list.”
Across the nation, moderate school board candidates were outperforming ultraconservatives, signaling waning support for extreme agendas. In places like Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, candidates backed by the ultraconservative Moms for Liberty faced significant losses, suggesting a shift against extremist views.
However, in the Lakeland Joint School District 272 board elections, traditional roles were challenged as the tug-of-war between far-right and traditional conservatives played out. Located in Kootenai County, a Trump stronghold, the district faced a political battle for nonpartisan school functions.
The KCRCC, led by Brent Regan, is dedicated to promoting ultraconservative candidates, choosing them based on their alignment with their political ideology rather than experience. This approach, termed “disruption politics,” is seen as a way to weaken public institutions.
Traditional conservatives faced an uphill battle, with candidates like Chris Beaty and Allison Burnett challenging KCRCC-backed candidates. However, without KCRCC endorsements, their campaigns struggled against candidates like Jeff Brodhead, who had little educational experience.
In Lakeland, the school board’s shift towards conservative control led to new curriculum review processes, causing delays and frustration among educators. Teachers like Allison Knoll, who attempted to stage a play, faced pushback and bureaucratic hurdles.
Supplemental levies, vital for school funding in Idaho, became contentious. In March 2023, Lakeland’s levy failed, prompting a successful campaign led by Gallus to pass it in May. However, the ongoing political battles have strained resources, leading to staff cuts and revised bus routes.
With upcoming elections, the KCRCC aims to expand its influence statewide, posing challenges for traditional conservatives. Local activists like Christa Hazel and Gallus are determined to reclaim the KCRCC, emphasizing the importance of traditional conservative values over extreme agendas.
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