10 Ways to Get Involved and Effect Change

NJSBA’s director of governmental relations, Mike Vrancik, recently listed ways that local school board members can have an impact on legislation.

“Local school board members need to take advantage of the opportunities provided through NJSBA to connect with lawmakers and influence the outcome of legislative proposals,” Vrancik said. “They deserve to have their voices heard.”

Here are some tips for getting started:

1. Contact NJSBA staff: Board members can speak to a live person, who can inform them about the details and the implications of legislative initiatives and their impact on districts. To reach NJSBA’s Governmental Relations Department, call (888) 886-5722, ext. 5215.
   
   
2. Read School Board Notes: It’s the single most accurate place to find updated information about ongoing Association advocacy efforts.
   
   
3. Check for updates at www.njsba.org: Given the fast-paced activity of the Legislature’s special session on property tax reform, there have been frequent updates about the status of bills that affect local boards of education. NJSBA’s Web site allows board members to learn about new developments as they occur.
   
   
4. Follow the Legislature in the media: Doing this provides a way for board members to understand the context of how proposed legislation is being developed. It also gives them a chance to learn about their own legislators’ activities.
   
   
5. Attend NJSBA-sponsored forums: These forums, as well as county association meetings, provide opportunities to interact with board members, who have common interests and concerns and who may be able to share their experiences in advocating for public education.
   
   
6. Back to School: Invite members of the public, parents and legislators to visit your community’s schools. Schedule a tour of your district’s schools to showcase successful programs and talented students. Show legislators, supporters and even skeptics the value that your schools provide.
   
   
7. Share Your Knowledge: Meet with area legislators. This is an opportunity for legislators to hear from their constituents, who will be directly affected by their proposals. This is often the most effective way to influence the outcome of legislative action. No one is more qualified than you to talk about your local school district and what is going on within it. Also, talk to your friends and neighbors and ask them to support public schools.
   
   
8. Follow the State Board of Education: The regulations approved by the State Board of Education are very important in the day-to-day functioning of local school districts. Often, when legislation is passed, the state board is directed to devise rules to implement the act.
   
   
9. Attend sessions of the state Legislature: This enables board members to gain insights into the inner workings of the Legislature and how laws are created.
   
   
10. Come to Trenton: The chance for legislators to hear directly from board members, who are speaking on the record about issues that affect local boards of education, is important. It also allows members to learn about individual legislators and their positions on education issues, and can help them target legislators who are sympathetic to the concerns of local school boards.