OPINION:
As parents, it’s our responsibility to be in the know of our children’s education. But how?
One answer is engaging in your local school board meetings. School boards play a pivotal role in shaping the education that public school students receive and the boards are accountable to the residents in the district who elected them. That’s you! The meetings are rich with information on funding sources, the curriculum being introduced, what mental health and counseling services are being offered to the students, student and family needs in the district, new teachers and staff hires, what positions need to be filled, what ministries are involved in the school buildings, and what clubs are being offered to our students … the list can go on and on.
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Whew, that’s a lot of information! The best way to make a difference on a local level in your community is through being in the know and engaging in your local school board. There are three main benefits of attending school board meetings, as well as three action steps you can take. A friend and experienced school board member came up with “The 3 Bs of School Board Engagement”:
1. Broaden your perspective
School board meetings can help provide you with a broader perspective by getting to know the school administration and understand the bigger picture of the school district. It also provides you with information on how you can specifically be praying for your community.
Action step: Take time to look on your school district’s website where school board information is posted. Then, put the next few meetings on your calendar. Find a friend to go with you, and just sit and observe your first meeting.
2. Build healthy relationships
Attending the meetings is a great way to build relationships with people in your community. Take the time to greet people and get to know the names of the board members. This will help you know what to say and how to say it when you are ready to use your voice.
Action step: Make it a point to get to know one or two school board members. Invite them out for coffee or even send them encouraging emails. They work hard to represent the school on a volunteer basis, and getting to know them is a benefit to everyone!
3. Bring your voice
Unfortunately, many parents are quick to complain about things that are happening in public school but never make an effort to meet with a school board member or speak at a meeting. If you feel passionate about something, it’s time to speak up. If the school board never hears the parent or student side, then all they know is what they are told by administration.
Most school board meeting agendas have some kind of “citizen’s comment” time, which gives you the opportunity to engage with the decision makers in a way that promotes healthy dialogue. These citizen’s comments make a big impression on the board and can help sway decisions.
Action step: Now that you’ve observed a few meetings and have gotten to know some of the board members, it’s time to speak up about something you are passionate about. First, investigate your school board’s policy on citizen’s comments. Depending on the policies, you can either come and ask a question during an opportunity given on the agenda for citizen’s comments, or you can email the board of directors ahead of time.
If you have the opportunity to speak, begin with an attitude of gratitude! Tell the board members you are thankful for their service and dedication to children and education. Next, be sure to state your topic or question clearly and directly. Be respectful as you engage with them. When finished, directly state your desire for reciprocated communication regarding and/or resolution to your topic. Finally, ask with whom you can follow-up with and request their contact information.
Yes, school board meetings can seem overwhelming and intimidating at first. But, it’s important to remember that school board members are people, just like you. We, as parents, have the responsibility to know what is happening during our children’s educational week. So get the next school board meeting on your calendar — your engagement will be beneficial to your children and your community!
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Kori Pennypacker is the CEO of Bible2School, where she oversees the mission and speaks to businesses, churches, and community leaders on the topic of the importance of spiritual training for children in our communities nationwide. She has over 20 years of experience in children’s ministry and leadership.
Bible2School equips communities across the nation to provide free elective Bible classes to elementary school children DURING their public school day. Their vision is that every public school in the nation would have a dynamic Bible program taught during their school day as allowed by national released time court rulings.
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