Preparing for the Legislative Session: A superintendent and school board’s responsibility

Posted

As the new legislative session approaches, the role of superintendents and school boards becomes more critical. In small towns like ours, education is not just about academics; it’s the backbone of our community. Ensuring our voices are heard at the state level is an essential responsibility that requires preparation, collaboration, and advocacy.

Understanding the issues

The first step in preparing for a legislative session is understanding the issues impacting our schools. From school funding formulas to teacher retention policies, curriculum mandates, and safety requirements, legislators will consider numerous proposals that affect every aspect of education.

Aligning priorities

Every school district has unique needs, but rural and suburban schools often share priorities. For example, equitable funding and broadband access have been consistent concerns for districts like ours. The superintendent and board must work together to identify key legislative priorities that align with the district’s strategic goals and the needs of our students, families, and staff.

Engaging stakeholders

Preparation for the legislative session is collaborative. It involves engaging many stakeholders, including teachers, parents, community leaders, and students. When we approach legislators, having the support of our community strengthens our advocacy.

Building relationships

Building strong relationships with our state representatives is one of the most effective ways to ensure our district’s voice is heard. School leaders should schedule meetings with legislators before the session begins. These discussions allow us to share success stories, highlight challenges, and explain how proposed legislation could impact our schools. Legislators appreciate hearing firsthand from those directly involved in education.

Advocating for our schools

Advocacy doesn’t end with initial meetings. Throughout the legislative session, the superintendent and board should monitor bills’ progress and be ready to respond. This might include testifying at committee hearings, writing op-eds, or rallying community members to contact their representatives. Persistent, well-organized advocacy ensures that our district’s concerns remain on the agenda.

Preparing for change

The legislative process can lead to significant changes for school districts. Whether it’s increased funding, new mandates, or shifts in accountability measures, the superintendent and board must be ready to implement changes effectively. This requires proactive planning and clear communication with staff and families.

A commitment to our students

Ultimately, the responsibility of preparing for a legislative session comes down to one thing: our commitment to students. By advocating for policies that support high-quality education, safe learning environments, and equitable opportunities, we ensure that every child in our district has the chance to succeed. In a small town like ours, this commitment is more than professional; it’s personal. Our schools are the heart of our community, and their success is our shared responsibility.

As the legislative session begins, let’s work together to champion our schools and secure a brighter future for all.

Dr. Jason Hewitt is superintendent of the Shepherd Independent School District.