1. Presentation to MSBA September 27, 2014 1

2.  The Webster Groves School District Legislative Advocacy Committee was initiated in fall 2010.  It is a politically neutral group originally composed of Webster Groves School District citizens, parents, community members, students and staff that meets regularly with the Superintendent.  Its purpose is to research and study public policy issues that have an impact on education.  Guided by the Committee's Statements of Belief, members: ◦ give feedback to the Superintendent ◦ take a position on the issues ◦ communicate with elected officials, and ◦ educate other parents and citizens. 2

3. Engage in Civil Discourse Respect Different Points of Views Hold Purposeful Meetings with a Clear Charge Receive and Review Background Information Prior to the Meeting Focus on Students’ Best Interests Be Prepared and Complete All Homework Stay on Topic and Respect Time Limits Share Discussion Time with Fellow Committee Members Add Their Voice to Discussions Remain Politically Neutral 3

4. The Legislative Advocacy Committee meets five to seven times per year. Meetings are from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Fridays. Most meetings are held in the central office setting. Additional meetings are scheduled as needed. Meetings are cancelled if not needed. 4

5. Citizens and staff interested in public policy, government affairs and community relations are welcome to attend monthly meetings. The superintendent invites interested individuals to serve as members. Each PTO may also select a member to act as an information liaison for that building. Elected officials may attend or send representatives to monthly meetings as their schedules permit. 5

6. The committee has been so effective that both the Kirkwood and Maplewood Richmond Heights school districts have joined. We believe that together we are stronger. 6

7.  Study and learn about key issues  Provide feedback on legislative proposals  Develop position statements  Contact legislators and other leaders to share concerns and suggestions  Host candidate forums with League of Women Voters  Inform our community of beliefs, concerns, and proposals  Stay informed of current issues at the district, local, state, and federal level 7

8. 8

9.  25-50 people attend each meeting  Community becomes more informed  Build stronger relationships with our legislators  Assist on issues such as: ◦ Unaccredited schools ◦ Date for setting tax rate ◦ Making early childhood special education voluntary 9

10.  Regular emails are distributed as updates are obtained from key education associations.  Legislative Advocacy Committee web site archives information and provides helpful links: http://schools.webster.k12.mo.us/lac http://schools.webster.k12.mo.us/lac 10

11. ‣ Identify key stakeholders Parent groups Employee groups Business leaders Community/civic leaders (We’ve had at least two mayors at most meetings.) Board members Information courtesy of the St. Louis Area CSD 11

12.  Develop goals  Define your purpose  Develop a meeting schedule  Identify key issues for discussion  Develop a legislative platform  Train your network members (how/when to contact legislators, share information with neighbors, etc.) 12

13.  Schedule a meeting with your legislators ◦ Share information about your district ◦ Let them know the issues that are important to your district/education/community ◦ Invite them to share information with your members  Use your Network/Committee ◦ Provide sample letters ◦ Share key points on issues ◦ Indicate urgency of when to contact their legislators 13

14.  Table Talk  Guest Speakers  Plus, Minus, Questions  It is your turn! 14

15. “The LAC provides parents and community members information on important legislative issues and helps them know how to best support our district and our children.” 15

16. Let’s watch our committee in action! http://youtu.be/GwsmCCv9joY 16

17.  Senator Eric Schmitt (R-15)“…real and meaningful interaction and idea sharing. A great forum for folks in the community interested in education issues.”  Senator Scott Sifton (D-1): “Webster Groves has established the gold standard for interaction between school district patrons and legislators. It includes not just administrators and board members, but a wide swath of the broader school district community in frequent face-to-face discussions with lawmakers. Webster has even brought in other neighboring districts to be part of the continuing conversation.”  Rep. Jeanne Kirkton (D-91):“The legislative advocacy committee has been instrumental in bringing parents, educators, community members and elected officials together. It's a great opportunity to stay informed on current issues in public education, to dialogue and problem-solve. The members of this committee help me better serve my district and state. They are my eyes and ears in the community.”  Rep. Rick Stream (R-94) “The Legislative Advocacy Committee provides the opportunity for back and forth communication on a regular basis between legislators and the people we serve. It provides an opportunity for real dialogue about real issues we are facing in the state of Missouri. 17

18. Activating the voices of your community can make a difference and provide a valuable service to your legislators! 18