A major factor in OSBA’s strength as an advocacy association comes in being able to connect legislators with school board members. Our members can tell legislators the real stories of Oregon public education and their policy decisions.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Legislature online, more members from all over the state have been able to testify at hearings and meet with legislators. But personal, face-to-face interactions still matter, because the Legislature operates on trusted relationships.
OSBA held its first full Advocacy Day since 2019 on Thursday, April 24, bringing dozens of school board members from across the state to Salem.
We had a full morning of training and welcomed Rep. Ricki Ruiz and Sen. Janeen Sollman, both former board members. They spoke to members about the importance of telling stories from their communities when they are advocating, while also explaining the realities of the state budget uncertainties.
Board members asked them tough questions about the budget while telling them about the importance of fending off unfunded mandates and the difficult cuts they are having to make in their districts. During the training, we discussed House Bill 2953 and HB 2448, the special education funding bills that are in the House Revenue Committee. We also discussed HB 2140, the State School Fund current service level calculation bill, and HB 3040, which addresses early literacy efforts.
Board members then split up into their regions and discussed talking points for their legislator meetings. After lunch, members descended upon the Capitol for their 33 legislator meetings.
It was great seeing school board members in the halls, debriefing their meetings and excited to discuss their districts’ specific needs. Advocacy days may be a bit chaotic, but they are a reminder of how important it is for legislators to hear directly from their constituents.
– Adrienne Anderson
OSBA Government Relations Counsel
