The School as a Political Lobby

Photo Credit:@csanchezcrozier

I would like to start this post by extending several thank yous.  I would like to thank Senator Andy Manar and Representative William Davis for their legislative leadership in passing SB1, a bill supporting evidence based school funding.  Even more thank yous go out to the IASA, IASBO, IPA, IASB, Advance Illinois, Funding Illinois' Future and the Vision 20/20 movement.  Without the efforts of these groups, we may not have realized the legislative and political victory that took place May 31st in regards to funding schools.  I am very proud to be associated with such strong advocates for kids, families and schools.

What we saw was a new era taking place for schools and the world of politics.  This has been coming for a while.  I am starting my 16th year in education and during my second year teaching I was on a referendum committee for a new school building for Mt. Vernon Township High School.  Not only was I teaching civics, but I was going door to door begging for votes to get what we felt we needed for students.  Not much longer after that, we are seeking voters in favor of 1% sales taxes to help secure funds that the state cannot or will not provide.  Fast forward a bit and we are mobilizing our districts to support school funding reform. I got in on this action with some rarely viewed videos and a hashtag supporting HB2808 that also supported evidence based school funding.

Over the last decade I think we have been forced to become politically active over issues of equity in the funding of schools.  It is no secret that the current formula is broken and we schools must be creative in making up the difference.  Through these battles we have become effective at mobilizing voters and passing legislation.  All in the name of advocating for our kids and families.  What we do is not partisan and we share common goals for our communities.  Oh yeah, there are more than 800 school districts in the state to mobilize so we can get the numbers.  This makes us an influential lobby that legislators and politicians have to sit at the table with.

Take a look at the voting record for the House vote on SB1.  For representative districts 115, 116, 117 and 118 is was split on party lines.  Terri Bryant told me in an email that she supported the evidence based funding model but did not vote for it.  Dave Severin only months ago was a school board member of a small K-8 district that understand the financial woes of the times.  Brandon Phelps and Jerry Costello voted yes and we appreciate it.  Again, what we want are not issues of political party.  They are issues of equity that hinder so many across the state.

Photo Credit: @kdruben

 I think it is now safe to say that we are an established political lobby.  We are made up of problem solvers by trade and many of us are former coaches that know how to find ways to win.  It is time to put those skills to use as we push on for kids across the state.  If you are a school administrator or teacher, get involved with Vision 20/20.  If you are a community member, get behind us as we advocate for our kids.  If you're a legislator, listen to us.  If you are Governor Rauner, sign SB1 and make a stand for schools and the tireless work they do for kids and families.

If you would like to urge the Governor to sign this bill, you can email him by following this link.