The National School Boards Association Advocacy Institute brought education advocates from around the country to Washington, D.C., Jan. 27-30. Oregon’s delegation included (clockwise from left) OSBA Board President-elect Chris Cronin, OSBA Acting Executive Director Emielle Nischik, Board Secretary-Treasurer Dawn Watson, Board President Sami Al-Abdrabbuh, Board Past President Sonja McKenzie and OSBA Board Development Specialist Janet Avila-Medina.
Oregon school board members earlier this week took the state’s needs to Capitol Hill.
“When the federal government doesn’t live up to their commitments, states have to fill the gap, our school districts have to fill the gap,” said Emielle Nischik, OSBA acting executive director.
The National School Boards Association Advocacy Institute in Washington, D.C., gave Oregon and other state education advocates a chance to show Congress where the gaps are. The annual event brings together public K-12 education advocates from around the country to meet with legislators, attend sessions on education issues and network.
The Oregon education delegation included all five OSBA Board officers, representatives of the Oregon School Board Members of Color Caucus and the OSBA Board, and three OSBA staff.
Nischik said it was great to meet with state organization colleagues to hear about their work and lessons learned.
The Oregon delegation this year came particularly prepared to talk about the importance of full federal funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Every Student Succeeds Act, as well as rural school issues.
OSBA Board President Sami Al-Abdrabbuh said school board members’ personal advocacy can open legislators’ eyes.
“We can share unique stories so they can see faces on the numbers,” said Al-Abdrabbuh, a Corvallis School Board member. “I hope they see the urgency we see.”
The gathering opened with a preconference equity symposium Saturday. On Sunday and Monday, workshop sessions included improving literacy, easing divisions in school leadership, addressing artificial intelligence in education, and looking ahead to legislative issues at the state and national level and the 2024 elections.
On Tuesday, education advocates spent the day on Capitol Hill meeting with their state’s U.S. representatives and senators.
OSBA Legislative Services Specialist Efren Zamudio noted the wide variety of speakers and the opportunities for direct talks with members of Congress.
“There is a lot of energy with leaders from across the country focused on building an education system that serves all,” he said.
– Jake Arnold, OSBA
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