As parents in New England, you play a critical role in shaping the future of our schools and ensuring that they provide equitable, inclusive, and high-quality education for all children. One of the most impactful ways to get involved in your child’s education is through your local school board. 

School boards are responsible for setting policies, budgets, and priorities for schools in your community. They directly influence the education your child receives—engaging with them is an effective way to have an impact. 

This guide will help you understand what school boards do, how you can get involved, and how to advocate for the issues that matter most to your family—especially when it comes to school funding.

What Are School Boards and Why Are They Important?

School boards are groups of elected officials who make critical decisions about your child’s education. They determine the goals for the district, manage the budget, hire key staff like superintendents, approve curriculums, and ensure schools are adequately funded to meet the needs of every student. 

These decisions affect not only the quality of education but also the well-being of students in your community. In recent years, school boards have become battlegrounds for political and ideological debates, with extreme positions on issues like school funding, inclusion, and curriculum reform. 

How You Can Get Involved

It’s essential for parents to understand how to engage with school boards and how they can help build influence these decisions to ensure that schools where every child has what they need to succeed.

There are several ways you can take action and make your voice heard by your local school board:

• Attend a School Board Meeting: This is the most direct way to make your voice heard. School board meetings are often open to the public, and parents are encouraged to attend and speak on issues that matter to them.
• Submit a Written Testimony: If you can’t attend a meeting, consider submitting a written statement to the board. This allows you to share your perspective and ensure your voice is part of the discussion.
• Schedule a Meeting with a Board Member: If you have specific concerns or ideas, reach out to a school board member for a one-on-one discussion. Most school board members have publicly available contact information.
• Engage Virtually: Many school boards offer remote participation. Whether via live-streaming meetings or engaging in virtual office hours, you can participate from home and stay informed.
• Use Social Media and Flyers: Spread the word by creating social media posts or printing flyers to amplify important messages about school funding and other educational issues.
• Support Local Advocacy Groups: Many organizations are already working on behalf of children’s education and equity. Consider supporting their campaigns or attending local rallies and events.

How to Approach School Board Meetings: Tips and Talking Points

When you speak at a school board meeting, it’s essential to be clear, respectful, and focused on your key points. Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare to speak:

Do:

• Thank the Board: Begin by acknowledging the work that school board members do, even if you don’t agree with all of their decisions.
• Have a Clear Ask: Be specific about what you want. For example, “I am asking the board to prioritize equitable funding for all schools in our district.”
• Define the Impact: Share real-world examples of how underfunding or inequitable practices harm students. For instance, “When schools are underfunded, they cannot provide the resources our children need to succeed—whether that’s career readiness programs, mental health support, or extracurricular activities.”
• Appeal to Shared Values: Emphasize that you are advocating for the best interests of all children in the community. For example, “Our children deserve a public education that prepares them for their future, and that starts with adequate funding for our schools.”

Don’t:

• Start with Anger or Accusations: Negative emotions can shut down productive conversation. Instead, focus on the issue and the desired outcome.
• Use Partisan Language: Keep the conversation about what’s best for children, not a political agenda.
• Assume Others Understand Your Terms: Avoid jargon like “equity” or “SEL” unless you are prepared to define them clearly.

Moving Forward: The Power of Parent Advocacy

Parents like you are the backbone of any strong school system. By becoming actively involved in school board meetings and advocating for better funding, you are directly helping to create a learning environment where every child can thrive. Whether you attend a meeting, submit a letter, or amplify your message on social media, every action counts. Together, we can ensure that public schools remain a place where all children are valued, supported, and prepared for a successful future.

If you’re ready to take the next step, 

• Check out your local school board’s meeting schedule, sign up for updates, and find out how you can engage in conversations that matter to your child’s education.
• Don’t forget the power of social media to amplify your message—share your advocacy efforts with your community and encourage others to get involved too!