As key stakeholders in our educational system, board members serve as an essential local resource on educational issues. Involvement by school board members in both the state and national legislative process is imperative to shaping sound education policy.
An elected local school board member has the opportunity to influence and inform other constituents, including other elected officials, of successes, needs, and issues facing the local school district.
Resources to assist the advocacy efforts of local boards of education
The Association sends regular state and federal legislative updates when issues impacting education are being discussed. IASB legislative alerts, fact sheets, and other helpful resources are posted to keep school leaders informed of important public education initiatives that are being considered by lawmakers.
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Download 'Advocacy for School Board Members' for tips on forming relationships with legislators, honing your message, and engaging the community.
- How to fill out a committee witness slip
Federal Advocacy
The Association supports the Federal Relations Network (FRN), a nationwide network of school board members organized by the National School Boards Association (NSBA) to keep boards of education in touch with Congress. All elected school board members are eligible to participate in FRN, the purpose of which is for participants to stay in touch with their representatives and senators throughout the year. Those that participate in FRN are also encouraged to attend the annual NSBA Advocacy Institute in Washington, D.C. to directly lobby their elected representatives.