2016 Guide to MASC Public Policy Priorities

Help Your Legislators Understand the Issues

School Committee members play a very important role in their communities as policy makers, standard bearers for local values, and advocates. They stand on the grassroots of American democracy and do their work in front of the people who are affected by their actions. Unlike many other elected officials in the United States, they must meet, discuss and deliberate in public, before local reporters and cable audiences. And when the meeting is over, they often may find themselves having to explain their actions at the local playing fields, defend themselves in grocery stores and pharmacies, be subject to editorials and community opinion, and ultimately vote while those affected by their actions sit in the audience in front of them.

It is an exceedingly difficult job, probably the most demanding elected post in our democracy, but also a most rewarding one because the success of the next generation of leaders is in their hands. Advocating for students is one of your most important roles. Explaining the issues to the public is an important part of advocacy. So is working with state and federal lawmakers. Effective legislative advocacy requires knowledge, clarity, patience and persistence because school committee members must make their best arguments in favor of their positions in the face of often powerful and well-funded opposition.

That’s why a day at the State House speaking directly to your legislators is a day well spent. Nearly one out of every five legislators has actually served on a school committee. Three members of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation (Michael Capuano, Richard Neal, and Katherine Clark) also served on their local school committees. Legislators understand the importance of well-developed positions, passionate but reasoned argument, vigorous defense of one’s principles and beliefs, and the importance of a broad strategy that reflects a healthy respect for their own positions as lawmakers. You, as school committee members, are uniquely positioned to advocate for children and schools, as well as families and people in social and economic need.

As we have noted in the past, on any given day constituents, advocates and lobbyists might approach legislators with any of the dozens of public policy concerns and special or personal issues. Legislators rely on you to inform them and keep them up to date. In the field of public education, school committee members are among the most credible and effective proponents of responsible public policy!

The 2016 guide to MASC’s public policy priorities is designed to help you make the case for effective legislation to support children and schools.