Fully funded and equitable public education is the bedrock of a just, multiracial society. And school boards represent the community’s voice in public education, providing governance and shared knowledge of the community’s resources and needs.
With more than 200 school board members across the country, Local Progress and the Local Progress Impact Lab have spent the last year laying a foundation for our school board work – preparing to organize school board members around a multi-issue policy agenda and create a community of practice for local leaders. We have had listening sessions with our partners and school board members in virtual and in-person spaces. And now, we are ready to add a leadership structure.
Today, we are thrilled to announce the formation of our first-ever School Board Steering Committee. As a membership organization, we believe our work is more impactful when it is informed and guided by members. The steering committee will guide the work of the school board cohort moving forward, bringing a diverse range of experiences and expertise to building our shared agenda.
School Board Steering Committee
As a membership organization, we believe our work is most impactful when it is informed and guided by members. Bringing a diverse range of expertise and local experience, our School Board Steering Committee will advise and shape our work in this area:
RAAHEELA AHMED
Former School Board Member
Prince George’s County Public Schools, MD
XILONIN CRUZ-GONZALEZ
Former School Board Member
Azusa Unified School District, CA
ASHLEY ESPOSITO
Baltimore Public Schools, MD
EMILY FIGDOR
Portland Public Schools, ME
JILLY GOKALGANDHI
Milwaukee Public Schools, WI
KELLY KENT
Local Progress Board Member
Culver City Unified School District, CA
JENNIFER MECOZZI
Buffalo Public Schools, NY
A'DORIAN MURRAY-THOMAS
Newark Board of Education, NJ
JASMIN RAMIREZ
Roaring Fork Schools, CO
MEGAN SWEET
Alameda Unified School District, CA
JEN WESTMORELAND
Hopkins Public Schools, MN
CHARLIE WILSON
Worthington Schools, OH
We look forward to sharing more updates as the Steering Committee gets started, including information about the incredible policy resources, and in-person and virtual events we have planned for this year!