Legislative Advocacy Series: Engaging Effectively During the Legislative Session (Recording)-Recording - WASBO Engaging Effectively During the Legislative Session

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The session prepared school business officials for effective advocacy during the 2027 legislative session. Panelists emphasized that district-level experience helps legislators understand how proposed bills affect schools, students, and communities—and encouraged first-time testifiers to participate.<br /><br />Speakers recommended preparing a clear, concise message with a specific district example, reliable data, and a direct request. Since testimony is often limited to 60 seconds, prioritize the most important points, prepare a shorter version, and anticipate questions or opposing perspectives. If you do not know an answer, offer to follow up. Testifying remotely or in person, submitting written comments, registering a position on a bill, and contacting legislators directly are all ways to engage.<br /><br />Building relationships before session is important. Meet with local legislators, learn their priorities, share district information, and follow up consistently. Prepare simple charts or one-page briefs on issues such as special education, insurance, substitute costs, and funding gaps. Advocacy should begin during the interim, not only when hearings start.<br /><br />The presenters also encouraged officials to coordinate with superintendents, board members, staff, and students; seek help from experienced advocates; and share positive stories about public education alongside funding challenges. Each participant’s perspective can make a difference.

Keywords

legislative advocacy

school business officials

public education funding

district-level experience

testimony preparation

local legislators

special education

funding gaps

interim advocacy