Letter to the Editor: Party affiliation and school board races

This letter to the editor was authored by Chairman Preston T. Wright and published in the May 16, 2025, edition of the Bluffton News-Banner.

In the May 14 edition of the News-Banner, it was reported that the Norwell School Board discussed SEA 287, a new law allowing school board candidates, starting in 2026, to declare a political party affiliation when running for office.

Board Member Corey Krug expressed that he was “mad” about this change and stated that it is “easy for you (the voters) to not pay attention.” He also claimed that if a board member elected as a Republican resigns before the end of their term, “the Republican Party then gets to decide who the next school board member is.” He concluded, “We are not taking responsibility, which means things will happen that we don’t have control over.”

Let’s be clear. SEA 287 does not force school board candidates to declare a party. It allows them to run as a Republican, Democrat, Independent, or non-partisan. Mr. Krug is correct that the party would select their replacement if a board member elected under a party label resigns. That is not new or unusual. It is how most political vacancies are handled in Indiana.

Mr. Krug’s comments suggest that political parties are somehow disconnected from the voters they represent. In reality, local party leadership is chosen directly by the voters. Precinct committeemen are elected every four years and, in turn, select county party leadership and vote on officeholder replacements when necessary.

What seems to trouble Mr. Krug is the idea of giving more control to the voters and taxpayers who elected him. His remarks raise a concerning question. Does he not trust the voters to pay attention or make informed decisions when voting?

Voters are the best check on elected officials. School board members oversee significant public funds, including a large share of our property taxes. Allowing candidates to declare a party affiliation gives voters more information and more transparency about a candidate’s values and how they might govern.

Public voting records show that, since 2012, every Norwell school board member has voted in at least one partisan primary election, except Mr. Krug. That may explain his unease with this new law.

I could say I’m surprised a twice-elected school board member would speak so dismissively of the very people who put him in office. But sadly, I’m not.

I look forward to seeing great Republican candidates step up to run for school board seats in 2026.