This November, San Antonioans will vote in dozens of elections at the federal, state, and local levels, and many of these outcomes will impact the future of public education in Texas.
The state’s public education system serves 94% of Texas’ school-aged children. This is the foundation on which everything else in the local community works, said Libby Cohen, senior director of advocacy at Raise Your Hands Texas.
“It’s not just about how our community works today, but how it will look in 10, 20 years from now as the kids who go to school today grow up and go out into society. Being able to thrive is very important,” she said. “People interested in public education should pay attention to each level of voting and consider how it ties into public schools.”
Elected state representatives and school board members directly influence the policies that govern local schools, so it’s important to ensure voters are informed about public education before they go to the polls.
Christa Pomeroy, San Antonio-based educator and Raise Your Hands Texas advocate, said: “It leaves a mark on everyone, even if you think you are far away.”
The State’s Role in Public Education
One of the challenges for organizations like Raise Your Hand Texas lies in the fact that state government is, in many ways, the most invisible layer of government, unlike local or national politics, says Cohen. says Mr.
“The mayor is often very visible in the community, and the school board leader may be the neighbor,” she said. “A congressman or president populates the evening news or her Facebook news feed. But often state governments don’t show up.”
Part of the work Raise Your Hand does is to increase the visibility and awareness of state governments. This includes the fact that these government agencies are important decision makers when it comes to public education. Method. However, many Texans may not know that the state controls many policies surrounding public education, including the accountability system. Teacher workforce issues such as teacher salaries. How much the district can raise the tax rate. and the amount of funding each student receives.
“The Texas legislature is the 300-pound gorilla in the room when it comes to making decisions about how public schools operate in the state,” Cohen said. is figuring out how to operate in the circumstances set by the states, and Congress plays a crucial role in crafting its laws.”
After some personal reflection, Pomeroy became more involved in public education policy. At the time, she felt she was a good advocate for the children on her campus and school district, but she didn’t feel like she had the ability or power to connect with legislators at the state level.
Pomeroy was made a member of the Principal Advocate Fellowship, giving her the opportunity to network and discuss public education policy issues not only on campus but with other advocates throughout the region. Come to the issues they have questions or concerns.
“Now I can lead them and say, ‘It’s outside of our local control, but have you looked into the legislature’s position on these issues?'” she said. “There is always a platform or core value that people tend to vote for, and helping direct people to available resources can help them become informed voters. I won’t tell you, but I want you to be an informed voter on issues that affect public education.”
From Voter to Public Education Advocate
Cohen said the first and most important step for San Antonio citizens seeking a more hands-on approach to local public education issues is to vote and become an informed voter.
There are various resources for that. Whether it’s the League of Women Voters’ voting guide, the Texas Educators Vote’s Who Does What in Public Education instructional tool, or the Association of Texas Professional Educators’ Teach The Vote Candidate Profile.
Beyond voting, advocacy is a year-round process and doesn’t just happen during election season or state legislative sessions. The first step to effective advocacy is finding people to do it with is. That’s where Raise Your Hand he Texas Regional Advocacy Director will be a real help, Cohen says.
“Our RAD team encourages and develops passionate voters statewide 365 days a year,” she said. “If you’re interested in figuring out how to plug into that work, contact those her RADs.”
“Our Regional Advocacy Director [RADs] We encourage and nurture enthusiastic constituencies statewide 365 days a year,” she said. Please contact.”
The team is made up of 13 directors statewide. They work to understand the challenges and achievements of local public schools, educate about public education policies and decision-making processes, and connect legislators and educators to each other. During legislative sessions, regional advocacy directors mobilize supporters to support or oppose specific legislation.
In addition to working with local advocacy directors, future education advocacy could partner with existing local groups such as the Parent Teachers Association and various civic groups such as chambers of commerce and Rotary clubs.
“Them [groups] It’s also a great way to say, ‘How can we bring together the resources and people that are here to make sure we support our local public schools?'” Cohen said.
Ahead of the ballot this November, Pomeroy urged voters to assume that educators have positive intentions and won’t vote based on restricting teachers.
“There are strange things happening on our campus,” she said. “Go in there [and vote] Because I did my homework and learned on my own. ”
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