This Mom Beat Back Extremism In Her School District

Laura Foster, Co-Founder of RIDGE Network, didn't let extremist school board members take over the school curriculum

Laura Foster is the Co-Founder of Ridge Network, a group of engaged students, alumni, parents and community members who are dedicated to illuminating the issues impacting students & teachers in the Pennridge School District. In the fall of 2023, their school board voted 5-4 to sign on with the curriculum company Vermilion Education, a Michigan firm with ties to conservative Christian Hillsdale College and its 1776 Project.

Laura’s community rejected this move from the school board, got organized, and in November elected candidates who ran in opposition to culture wars, secret agreements, poor policies, and the adoption of the curriculum recommended by Jordan Adams from Vermilion Education. The outgoing board ended the contract with Vermilion Education just days before the new board took over.

Listen to episode 3 of The Cost of Extremism to hear more from Laura and others like her pushing back against extremism.