Actively Engaging With Legislators
By John Gies
As the frontline leaders in education, principals witness firsthand the challenges and opportunities that arise in classrooms every day. Yet, many of the issues we face—whether related to funding, curriculum mandates, or student support services—are shaped by decisions made far beyond the school walls. I am certain that all of us have been in the position of trying to figure out how to implement new legislation. Most of the time, it is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.
That’s why principals must actively engage with legislators, using our unique perspectives to influence policies that directly impact students, teachers, and the future of education. Our insights are invaluable in ensuring that legislation meets the actual needs of schools rather than imposing impractical or counterproductive mandates.
- Five benefits of advocacy bridging policy and practice. Legislators often lack the practical, day-to-day experience of running a school. While they rely on data and research, they may not fully grasp the complexities of implementation. Principals can bridge this gap, providing lawmakers with concrete examples of how proposed policies would play out in the classroom.
- Championing equity. Many schools serve diverse populations with varying needs. Principals understand these nuances and can advocate for legislation that promotes equity and access to quality education for all students. Whether it’s ensuring adequate support for English language learners, advocating for special education services, or addressing disparities in school funding, principals can be powerful voices for marginalized communities.
- Ensuring practicality and feasibility. Not all well-intentioned legislation is practical. Principals can identify potential pitfalls in proposed laws, ensuring that they are not only aspirational but also achievable. This advocacy helps prevent the implementation of policies that might inadvertently burden schools with unrealistic expectations or unfunded mandates.
- Influencing funding priorities. School funding is a perennial issue in education policy. Because principals are responsible for balancing school budgets and allocating resources, they have a deep understanding of where funding is most needed. Talk to your school district’s treasurer (or chief financial officer) and see how much your district receives in Title I, Title II, and Title IV funds. Ask your superintendent what they would do if these funds were cut in half or taken away. By advocating for legislation that supports adequate and equitable funding, principals can help secure the resources necessary for their schools to thrive.
- Protecting professional autonomy. Education legislation can sometimes encroach on the professional autonomy of school leaders and teachers. Principals have a vested interest in ensuring that laws respect their professional judgment and allow them the flexibility to make decisions that are in the best interests of their students.
Practical Steps to Take
Advocacy can take many forms, from writing letters to legislators and providing testimony at hearings to engaging with professional organizations and participating in grassroots campaigns. Here are some practical steps principals can take to advocate for education legislation:
- Stay informed. Keep abreast of proposed legislation that could impact your school; (laws made at the state level will more than likely be your main focus. Your state organizations can keep you updated on legislation that will impact your staff and students. As principals, we must also pay attention to federal legislation that impacts our students. NASSP has many tools to keep us informed, for example Principal Leadership magazine and the NASSP website.
- Sending form emails. Establish connections with local, state, and federal lawmakers. Regular communication can help build trust and ensure that your voice is heard when it matters most. NASSP Action Alerts are a great way to get started and an easy and effective way to communicate with legislators. But don’t be afraid to write a more personal email or letter. The more your legislator’s office hears your voice, the more likely they are to reach out to you about pending legislation.
- Invite legislators to your buildings. This visit is not a campaign stop but a chance for them to see their decisions in action. At the very least, have a conversation with the educational aide in your legislator’s office. Make sure they have your number and encourage them to call you about bills involving education. NASSP also has resources that can help you plan legislators’ visits to your building.
- Don’t miss an opportunity. Never miss a chance to speak with elected officials. I have attended meetings with the governor, lieutenant governor, and other state officials, and I always try to find a few minutes to talk to them. Your city and county officials also need to hear from you. You are an educational expert, so share your expertise.
- Collaborate with peers. Join forces with other principals and education leaders to amplify your advocacy efforts. Collective action often carries more weight than individual voices. Consider how much more powerful we could be if more principals were actively involved in communicating with our legislators.
Our insights are invaluable in ensuring that legislation meets the actual needs of schools rather than imposing impractical or counterproductive mandates.
Tell a Story
Talking to legislators can be a little overwhelming at first. It is common to think they won’t listen to you, and you already have so much else to do. I also thought the same way but decided one day to just sit down and write a letter to my legislators. I invited them to my building. Over the years, I’ve had mixed success; sometimes the legislator comes and sometimes they send an aide. But whoever ends up visiting, I make sure they see our students in action, and I discuss with them how we use allocated funds.
It is also important to tell a story. For example, last year I shared about Keith, one of our students who wanted so badly to go to our local vocational school but was not accepted due to enrollment limits in place because of a funding shortage. The next time that legislator reviews legislation regarding vocational funding, I want him to remember Keith.
Other states have successfully worked with their legislators to make positive change. For example, last year the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals stopped a proposal to require assistant principals to spend 20% of their time teaching in the classroom. How did they do it? By sharing stories about how the legislation would negatively impact students. That’s why it’s vitally important that our legislators hear from us. Can you imagine your assistant principal spending that much of the day teaching as well as performing all their other duties?
Every time I attend the National School Leaders Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., or the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators Advocacy Day in Columbus, I see many other lobbying groups and professional organizations in the hallways also waiting to speak to legislators. Every organization rightfully fights for its cause, and we need to make sure that we as principals are the leading voice for our students. It is my goal that not one piece of legislation involving education in Ohio is voted on without legislators speaking to at least one principal.
Ultimately, principals are not just school managers but advocates for our students, staff, and communities. By engaging in education legislation advocacy, principals ensure that the voices of those directly impacted by these laws are heard and considered. In doing so, we help shape a future where all students can succeed. The stakes are high, but the potential for positive change is immense—and principals are in a prime position to make that change a reality.
- Note - FASA has a "Principal for a Day" program, where elected officials can come to your school, and learn more about your day-to-day life. To find out more and get involved, click HERE.
John Gies is the principal of Shelby High School in Shelby, OH, and the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators state coordinator.