Continuing Our Commitment to Advocate for Our Members

On May 5 and 6, Julie Feasel, Director of Communications and Government Relations, and I visited Washington, D.C. We had the privilege of representing COSSBA in a series of productive meetings with congressional staff. Our voice was heard in offices across the Hill, and I am pleased to report that our priorities were met with genuine interest and engagement.

Over the two days, we met with staff from the offices of Rep. John Mannion (D-NY22), Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI9), Rep. Alma Adams(D – NC12) , Rep. G.T. Thompson (R-PA15), Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-NH2), Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY25), Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA6), and Sen. John Husted (R-OH). Each conversation was an opportunity to elevate the issues that matter most to our members and the communities they serve.

In every meeting, we focused our discussion on three core priorities:

• The importance of NAEP and federal data. We highlighted our new federal policy tenant and underscored why NAEP, along with reliable federal data, is essential to informed policymaking and to the work our members do every day. Without robust data infrastructure, evidence-based decisions become significantly harder to make at every level.

• The federal school choice tax credit. We shared our perspective on this proposal and walked staff through the implications—both intended and unintended—for the students, families, and institutions we represent.  We stressed the importance of ensuring that this is available for services provided to students in public schools.

• Continued federal funding, including IDEA funding. We made the case for sustained investment in IDEA, emphasizing the real-world impact these dollars have and the consequences that disruptions or reductions would create for our members.

  
  

Just as importantly, in every single meeting, I asked the same question: How can COSSBA be helpful to your boss’s priorities? This is something I want to emphasize to our membership. Advocacy is not a one-way street. The most effective relationships on the Hill are built when we show up not only with our own asks, but also with a genuine willingness to be a resource. Staff appreciated the question, and several offices identified specific areas where our expertise, data, and member network could support their work going forward. 

I will be following up with each office in the coming weeks to provide additional information requested during our meetings and to begin exploring the partnership opportunities that emerged. As those conversations develop, we may reach out to some of you directly to address specific questions or share your on-the-ground experience.

Finally, we were able to meet with the Executive Director of AASA, the School Superintendents Association, Dr. David Schuler. COSSBA and AASA collaborate on several education-related coalitions, so it was nice to meet in person to discuss what each organization is working on and where we can collaborate.

Trips like this one are only impactful because of the strength, expertise, and engagement of our membership. I am grateful to carry your voice into every room; however, don’t forget that September 21 – 23 is our Federal Advocacy Conference in Washington.  Register now on our website and lend your voice to our efforts in Washington.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions, ideas, or feedback.