Welcome back to the LP School Board Download – our newsletter about all things school board! This month, we’re sharing…
Last month, President Trump made another step toward the privatization of public education when he signed an executive order calling for the Department of Education to be dismantled — the impacts of this will be very real for kids, especially those who rely on free meals, special education services and attend school in rural or high poverty areas. We know this creates chaos and confusion as school districts continue the hard work of educating students and supporting teachers. If you have started preparing for, or are already facing, the ramifications of this move, or the Trump administration’s calls to eliminate any “DEI” programming, please get in-touch.
The LP School Board Steering Committee released a statement saying that our public schools are not for sale, you can see it here. Â
We are also keeping a close watch on the budget reconciliation process and what it could mean for the future of public schools. There is some extremely harmful language included that would expand vouchers nationwide, increasing segregation and defunding our schools. If you haven’t already, reach out to your Congressional representatives to tell them you oppose the latest effort to create a national voucher program (called the ECCA) that would funnel $10 billion/year in taxpayer dollars to private school vouchers that discriminate against students and are not accountable to any educational standards.
We are encouraging all of our members to consider passing a resolution, which calls for the preservation of public education and the full funding of our schools. This is being created in partnership with HEAL Together and the Public School Strong initiative‚ fill out this form for more info and we’ll be in-touch.
Tennessee
Last week, hundreds organized in support of educating and protecting all students, regardless of immigration status. This is in response to a harmful bill that’s been making its way through the Tennessee statehouse — a bill that would unravel one of the key pillars of public education — the right to an education regardless of immigration status. School boards in Tennessee are still being encouraged to pass resolutions, like this one from Franklin County, stating their opposition to the bill. Follow our friends at the Tennessee Immigration and Refugee Rights Coalition to get involved in phone banking and other direct actions.
Texas
Our LP TX members have been busy fighting for strong public schools. Within the last few months our members and partners have sent a letter, and headed to Austin, to remind state electeds that the privatization of education is not what Texans want or need. Unfortunately, last week the Texas House passed a multi-billion dollar voucher bill, which would erode away funding for public school students across the state. This bill still needs to go to a conference committee. More from IDRA.
Tennessee
Last week, hundreds organized in support of educating and protecting all students, regardless of immigration status. This is in response to a harmful bill that’s been making its way through the Tennessee statehouse — a bill that would unravel one of the key pillars of public education — the right to an education regardless of immigration status. School boards in Tennessee are still being encouraged to pass resolutions, like this one from Franklin County, stating their opposition to the bill. Follow our friends at the Tennessee Immigration and Refugee Rights Coalition to get involved in phone banking and other direct actions.
Texas
Our LP TX members have been busy fighting for strong public schools. Within the last few months our members and partners have sent a letter, and headed to Austin, to remind state electeds that the privatization of education is not what Texans want or need. Unfortunately, last week the Texas House passed a multi-billion dollar voucher bill, which would erode away funding for public school students across the state. This bill still needs to go to a conference committee. More from IDRA.
Resisting the Rollback
Join the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center and LP members for a Zoom briefing that will break down how the Trump Administration has targeted students and educators and how to navigate these challenges with resilience. It’s April 30 at 3PM ET, register here.Â
Community Schools
Our friends at Partners for Dignity and Rights recently released the report Community Schools and Co-Governance, Lessons from Los Angeles and San Diego. In an era of disinvestment from communities and public education, the community schools model is one that looks to schools and communities to collaborate to wrap arms around kids. Worth a read and let us know if you want help in thinking through what community schools could look like in your district.
Protect Our Students
As the federal government continues to wreak havoc on our public systems, our public school teachers continue to push back and stand strong. Check out the National Education Association’s resources and explainers for information on the impact of federal funding cuts and how to protect students. If you’re interested in participating in a Day of Action on May 1, find more here.
Hands Off Our Schools
Our partners at Popular Democracy are convening Hands Off Our Schools organizing calls – the next two are May 14 and June 11. Want to sign up? More here.
Have you signed up for the National Convening? We’ll be in Chicago July 10-12 and we hope you join with other local elected officials, movement partners, and funders who believe in fighting for our communities and the people who live in them. Â
You can see an agenda outline here — more details soon about the public education-specific programming!Â
Check your email for your invite and register by the May 21 deadline!
As always, LP is here to help you navigate the chaos as you work to support kids and teachers.
Please never hesitate to get in touch with us!
