Advocacy

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Advocacy

“I shall serve as education's key advocate on behalf of students and our community's school (or schools) to advance the vision for (name of school district)” - Illinois School Board Member Oath of Office

As key stakeholders in the public education system, school board members serve as an essential local resource on educational issues. Involvement by school board members in both the state and federal legislative process is imperative to shaping sound education policy by clarifying the diverse needs and challenges of public education for lawmakers.

Why is advocacy an important part of a school board member’s role?

School board member advocacy:

Supports Student Success
Influences Policy Decisions
Secures Funding
Provides Legislators Needed Input
Protects Local Control
Builds Public Trust and Awareness

Coming soon: Key Reasons for School Board Member Advocacy! This new resource will provide additional information about why advocacy is an important part of a school board members' role.

Resources to Assist School Board Member Advocacy

IASB strives to keep school leaders informed of important public education initiatives that are being considered by lawmakers and ways that school board members can take action. The resources below are available to support school board member advocacy efforts at a local, state, and federal level.

Pillars that Guide IASB’s Advocacy Work

IASB Constitution

The IASB Constitution articulates the Association's purpose, membership, and governance structure. The Constitution provides that major policies be established by an annual Delegate Assembly, placing governance decisions in the hands of an elected board of directors.

IASB Position Statements

IASB Position Statements are resolutions adopted by the Delegate Assembly that provide major policies for the Association and establish its stance on legislation and related matters of public policy. School boards that seek to change or add to IASB’s Position Statements are encouraged to take advantage of the Resolutions Process.

Advocacy Core Values

IASB Advocacy Core Values guide the Association’s advocacy agenda in support of its membership. Developed by the IASB Constitution and Resolution Review Committee and approved by the Board of Directors and Resolutions Committee Chairs, the Core Values ensure a strong, collective voice on the highest priority issues and concerns.

Illinois Vision 2030

Illinois Vision 2030 is rooted in the shared belief that students learn best, and educators teach most effectively, when they feel safe and connected to one another and to their communities. Vision 2030 provides a blueprint to enhance K-12 public education through future-focused learning, shared accountability, and predictable funding. The initiative articulates a shared commitment to putting systems and processes in place that support all school districts throughout the state in sharing what works for our students and our communities. Vision 2030 includes plans to advance policy, legislative and fiscal solutions, leverage public resources, and preserve local flexibility and leadership so that the important decisions about curriculum and finances are made closest to home. Learn more about the initiative at IllinoisVision2030.com.