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Have you downloaded WSSDA 2014? Search for the app in iTunes or Google Play Store and join the conversation.
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1. Tap Agenda 2. Locate this session in the agenda 3. Tap Check In
Working Effectively with Legislators
• Jim Kowalkowski, Davenport School District Superintendent & Director – Rural Education Center
• Brad Sweet, Davenport School District Board Member
• and…
Presenters
• Shelly Short, State Representative, 7th District
Special Guest
Goal of this Presentation
Provide you with practical & timely tips/strategies to help you work more effectively with state legislators on key
education issues
Washington State Legislature
• 2015 Session Starts on Monday, January 12
• That is 54 days from today!
Washington State Legislature
• 2015 Session McCleary Contempt Order
1351 Suspend?
Prediction: Several extended sessions July?
Working with Legislators
• If you don’t advocate for your students and your community, who will?
• Elbow partner activity…
Working with Legislators • Do these organizations effectively
influence legislators? WEA Washington Policy Center State Board of Education League of Education Voters Stand for Children WSSDA WASA Others:
Working with Legislators
If you don’t advocate for
your students and your
community, who will?
School Board Directors &
State Legislators What do they
have in common?
State Legislators
Put yourself in their shoes…
Facing large, hostile crowds!
Many requests, not enough money!
Dealing with Highly Emotional Issues!
Dealing with Anger & Demands
Sorting Through Mounds of Paperwork
As a school director or administrator…what strategies do
some people use that are NOT effective regarding getting your
support on an issue?
Legislators: what strategies do some people use that are NOT effective regarding getting your
support on an issue?
As a school director or administrator…what strategies do
some people use that are effective regarding getting your
support on an issue?
Legislators: what strategies do some people use that are
effective regarding getting your support on an issue?
Q & A with Rep. Short
Develop relationships with your legislators…
Magazine Article, Lind Combine
Derby & a State Senator…
Working Effectively with Legislators
Testifying Tips
Working with Legislators
• “Some one else will do that…”
• “I don’t have time to keep up with all this legislative stuff…”
• Someone at WSSDA will take care of all of this…”
Working with Legislators • Have at least one director on your board serve
as your legislative rep. This person needs to be committed to keeping current on legislative issues. This person also needs to attend the WSSDA legislaitve in Olympia and needs to connect and develop relationships with your state legislators.
Working with Legislators
Important Strategy: You board and your
superintendent need to be in agreement when you take a specific stand on an issue
“Gotta Do’s”
• Be a cheerleader and advocate for your school district
• If you get a request from a legislator or his/her aide – be sure to respond quickly
• Other:
Questions?
We’d love to have your feedback. Take a moment to participate in a quick survey about this session in WSSDA 2014.
THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING.
1. Tap Agenda 2. Locate this session in the agenda 3. Tap Check In (if you haven’t already) 4. Tap Take Survey
