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Legislative Advocacy Committee
Our History
Purpose
Membership
Links
“I know of no safe depository of the ultimate
powers of society but the people themselves…and if
we think them not enlightened enough to exercise
their control with a wholesome discretion, the
remedy is not to take it from them, but inform their
discretion by education.” Thomas Jefferson
As we begin another school year our country is
beset with many challenges that are affecting all of
us in one way or another. As publicly funded
institutions, school districts are not immune from
the impacts of the recession. However, we chose to
look at our challenges as opportunities to focus
closely on the charge we have been given as a
district to provide a quality education to all our
students based on our diversity.
The words of Thomas Jefferson are as important to
Americans today as when he first said them over two
centuries ago. Jefferson’s charge for us comes in
two parts: (1) We must provide our students with a
quality of education that prepares them the
‘wholesome discretion’ it will take to become
responsible and productive citizens and (2) the
district must provide the community with the
information they need in order to speak to lawmakers
and to vote with informed discretion.
Here are our goals:
- Quality and accessible preschool for all
four year olds
- Adequate funding for schools
- Quality classroom experience for all
students
Please bookmark this page as a resource for
making your voice count in support of public
education.
Check out some of our most recent presentations
at the Iowa Association of School Boards Meetings:
- Not Waiting on the World to Change:
- Amplify Your Advocacy:
Contact our Board Secretary\Treasurer for any
questions you might have. Ms. Lynnette Carver,
563.336.5087 or
carverl@mail.davenport.k12.ia.us.
History
In 2004 the Davenport Community School Board
approved the creation of the Legislative Advocacy
Committee as a standing committee of the board. The
board realized that in order to be effective
advocates for public school education it was
necessary to engage the larger community in advocacy
efforts.
Our earliest efforts revolved around getting
students involved in advocacy. We began by
sponsoring school bus trips to Des-Moines during the
legislative session to allow our students to engage
local legislators in the context of the place where
our state laws are created. We have done this
annually (with the exception of a weather
cancellation in 2008).
Our committee recognizes the important role we
have in advocating for Davenport Community Students,
however; we believe advocacy is most effective with
state legislators when we are able to frame our
message around all Iowa public school students.
Purpose
Our purpose is threefold:
- Constituency Development: This gets back to
the original reason for creation of the
committee. The board realized that while they
are elected to assure that the needs of our
public school students is addressed, our message
to local legislators were very predictable and
had limited impact. Our primary goal therefore
has been to engage other constituencies within
our community and to help them find their voice
for advocacy. We continually focus our efforts
on students, however; we have also worked with
early education advocates and teachers. Early
education members continue to serve an effective
advocacy role outside the Legislative Advocacy
Committee.
A huge aspect of constituency development is
simply the building of relationships. Not only
is the board’s relationship with the community
enhanced but also the open engagement with state
legislators has opened up communication channels
that allow for the free flow of ideas and
questions.
- Public Education: In order for constituent
members to have an effective role in advocacy
they need to be able to understand legislation
and the process by which bills become law. The
committee holds various functions during the
year such as legislator socials, candidate
forums, and Scott County school board forums. We
are currently planning a School Finance Course
for legislators and interested public.
- Legislation: The board looks to the
committee for guidance on specific legislation
being considered. Additionally the committee
offers resolutions and positions they believe
the board should consider. The committee works
closely with the Superintendent on issues of
specific legislation to assure that the district
is speaking with a unified voice.
Membership
Members for the 2009-2010 School Year
- Richard Clewell (Chair) - Board Member
- Ralph Johanson - Board Member
- Ken Krumwiede - Board Member
- John Border - Community Education Project
Manager
- Laura Lortz - Communications Specialist
- Mike Garnica - nstructional Specialist
- Cindy Lewis - Instructional Specialist
- Mike Ross - Guidance Counselor
- Rachael Mullins - Development Supervisor
We would like to have a broader representation by
building principals, Davenport Education Association
members, business representatives, parents, and
PTA\PTO organizations. If you are interested, feel
free to attend one of our regularly scheduled
meetings or special functions listed on our
calendar. If you would like further information,
contact our Board Secretary\Treasurer Ms. Lynnette
Carver, 563.336.5087 or email at
carverl@davenportschools.org
Links
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