Smaller board would serve county better

With two trustees resigning just months after an uncontested election, the Johnson County School District No. 1 board once again faces a challenge that has become all too familiar: Not enough people want the job.

This isn’t a new problem. Since 2020 – when just five candidates ran for four open seats – nearly every school board election has lacked significant competition. The most recent race in November 2024 was entirely uncontested. Now, after the unexpected resignations of two trustees, the board is asking for applications to fill the vacant seats. If not enough people apply by May 5, the decision will fall to the county commissioners to appoint a trustee.

Trustee Marcia Goddard put it plainly: Nine board seats may be too many for a county of fewer than 9,000 people. She’s right to ask the question. While civic engagement has always been a point of pride in Johnson County, there’s a limit to how many residents are willing – and able – to commit to an unpaid, high-profile, time-intensive role.

Other local bodies function effectively with fewer members. The Johnson County Commission has just three. The Buffalo City Council operates with four council members and a mayor. Compared to these, a nine-member school board is unusually large – especially now that trustees are elected at large rather than by geographic zones.

This is not just about numbers; it’s about functionality. Larger boards can struggle to build cohesion, and decisions can become fragmented or inconsistent. A smaller board – structured with seven members – would not only be easier to fill, it would likely operate more efficiently and with greater accountability.

A 2023 survey of district stakeholders supports this direction. Of the 266 respondents, 62% favored reducing the board’s size. While some trustees have questioned the clarity of the survey, the broader message is clear: The public sees the need for change.

The process to reduce the board is lengthy but manageable. It won’t happen overnight, but that’s no excuse for inaction.

A board that routinely struggles to fill its seats cannot lead effectively. The district doesn’t need a bigger board. It needs a right-sized one that can be responsive and realistic for a rural community. The time to act is now.