The IEBN Podcast recently welcomed Eric Stalter, founder of the Civil Review Board, to discuss his mission to hold school boards accountable and protect the rights of parents in education. As debates over curriculum, parental involvement, and school policies intensify, the Civil Review Board aims to ensure that families—not government institutions—have the final say in their children’s education.
What is the Civil Review Board?
Founded four years ago, the Civil Review Board (CRB) is a watchdog organization that works to:
✔ Hold school boards accountable to the communities they serve.
✔ Provide resources such as legal referrals, education code training, and school choice guidance.
✔ Empower community leaders to advocate for policies that align with family values.
Eric emphasized that CRB approaches its work diplomatically, aiming to collaborate with school boards rather than confront them. However, when officials refuse to work with concerned parents, CRB helps raise leaders who can step up and advocate for change.
Why Eric Stalter Started the Civil Review Board
Eric’s journey to founding CRB was sparked during the COVID-19 pandemic when he became concerned about government overreach and parental rights. His frustration with how schools operated during this time led him to take action.
Though his own children had a positive experience in public schools, Eric noticed a shift in curriculum transparency, parental involvement, and social activism in classrooms. A passing comment from political commentator Tucker Carlson about the absence of “civil review boards” inspired him to create one himself.
The Challenges in California Schools
Eric argues that public schools are failing students academically while focusing on social engineering and activism. He pointed out that California ranks 48th in education nationwide, and in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, fewer than 40% of students are proficient in math and English.
Some of the key issues CRB tackles include:
📌 Hidden curriculums that introduce social and political agendas without parental knowledge.
📌 Parental exclusion from key decisions, such as curriculum approval and student counseling.
📌 Transgender policies that affect school sports, restrooms, and student privacy.
📌 Financial mismanagement—funding is directed toward programs instead of academic improvement.
One example Eric shared was a case in Fontana, where a classroom allegedly required students to pledge allegiance to an LGBTQ flag instead of the U.S. flag. In another district, CRB helped shift the curriculum approval process so that parents were involved at the beginning instead of being informed after changes were implemented.
What Can Parents Do?
For parents and community members who feel powerless in the education system, CRB offers several ways to get involved and make a difference:
🟢 Attend school board meetings to stay informed and voice concerns.
🟢 Join local CRB chapters—currently active in Yucaipa, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario-Montclair, and San Diego.
🟢 Participate in town halls on topics like fentanyl dangers, school policies, and curriculum changes.
🟢 Encourage strong candidates to run for school board positions.
While many parents fear retaliation for speaking up, Eric believes that standing firm is the only way to protect children from an education system that prioritizes politics over academics.
“We should be grizzly bears when someone is taking advantage of our children. Retribution should not matter.” — Eric Stalter
Is the Civil Review Board Politically Neutral?
Eric emphasized that while CRB is founded on Judeo-Christian values, it does not align with any political party. Instead, it welcomes parents of all backgrounds and beliefs who share concerns about the direction of public education.
Want to learn more?
Visit civilreviewboard.com or follow CRB on social media @civilreviewboard.
Get involved today—your voice matters in shaping the future of education!
Watch the full interview on IEBN Podcast on youtube or wherever you get your podcast.
Want to get featured next?
Contact Naja Faysal via email naja@parrotslab.com or via text +1 (209) 237 9926 or book a 30-min discovery call