National Advocacy Conference, Feb. 6

The National School Boards Association’s 2020 Advocacy Institute in Washington, D.C., brought together school board members from Oregon and across the country Sunday through Tuesday to learn, share ideas and press the nation’s representatives to make the best decisions for students. Oregon’s contingent, which included school board members and Oregon School Boards Association staff, reported positive receptions. “Our members are excited and energized to tell their stories to Congress to make the case for additional funding to meet our federal responsibilities,” said OSBA Executive Director Jim Green. Green added that Congress needs to make public schools part of infrastructure spending considerations. “Our schools are used for more than just providing education for kids,” he said. Oregon’s group also emphasized rural schools funding. The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act, passed in 2000, provides money for rural counties and schools in Western states affected by declining timber harvests on national forest lands. OSBA Board President Kevin Cassidy (Baker School Board) received a surprise invitation to attend the State of the Union as the guest of Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon. Cassidy said the Oregon delegation has been talking about how federal money and mandates will intersect with the Student Success Act, which will provide an additional $1 billion a year for Oregon pre-K-12 public education. The OSBA contingent included OSBA Board President-elect Maureen Wolf (Tigard-Tualatin), Vice President Liz Hartman (Lake Oswego), Secretary-Treasurer Scott Rogers (Athena-Weston) and Past President Tass Morrison (North Santiam); OSBA Board members Greg Kintz (Vernonia) and Melissa LaCrosse (Jefferson); OSBA Board members and Oregon School Board Members of Color Caucus leadership Linda Hamilton (Lane ESD) and Sonja Mckenzie (Parkrose); OSBA Legislative Policy Committee members Chrissy Reitz (Hood River County) and Courtney Snead (Jefferson County); and George Beverly Jr. (McKenzie), Miriam Cummins (Linn Benton Lincoln ESD) and Sahar Yarjani Muranovic (David Douglas). OSBA is a member services agency for more than 200 locally elected boards serving school districts, education service districts and community colleges.