LM Jan 2024

Message From the Executive Director Sharing Real Life Impact of Legislation Is a Powerful Advocacy Tool

Dr. Brent Clark

That’s part of the role of the modern-day superintendent, especially at a time when hundreds of curricular and unfunded mandates are introduced each year. Legislators need to hear how these proposals impact the stakeholders they serve. A superintendent’s ability to frame the conversation around real life examples truly is a powerful advocacy tool. As we look ahead to the start of the spring 2024 legislative session, I encourage you to build relationships with your local legislators now. Even consider inviting them to tour your school. When bills are introduced that would have unintended consequences on your school district, we want you to be able to engage with your legislators on the issues. In addition, be on the lookout for IASA Capitol Watches and Calls to Action. We will regularly ask members to fill out witness slips and participate in advocacy campaigns with our OneClick Politics service. IASA is also exploring other ways to engage members and seek feedback on the bills that matter most to you. To close, the legislative session officially begins January 16 and is scheduled to continue through May 24. With this being an election year, anything can happen. With that, be ready to make your voices heard and share your stories.

More than 700 witness slips were filed in support of HB 2784 last March to create a new minimum wage of $20 for the 2024–2025 school year for all school support personnel. The Illinois Education Association, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Chicago Teachers Union and other labor groups were among the listed proponents. However, after passing out of committee 17-8, the bill stalled on second reading and was never called for a vote. When IASA talks about advocacy in action, and why it’s important, HB 2784 is a shining example. School districts were potentially facing a massive unfunded mandate that would have undoubtedly resulted in jobs eliminated, educational programs slashed and potentially property taxes raised at a time when that really doesn’t need to happen. Instead, superintendents across the state answered the call. Hundreds of you reached out to your local legislators and shared real life examples of how this legislation would ultimately harm students and constituents. In addition, your advocacy efforts were taken a step further. IASA surveyed membership and shared an actual dollar figure with legislators of how much this proposal— which included mandatory increases each year—would cost the school districts they represent. That is the power superintendents have when it comes to advocacy. We don’t have the largest numbers or war chest, but we’re able to bridge that disconnect with legislators between well-intentioned proposals and unintended consequences by sharing our stories.

3 LM January 2024