How Does COSSBA Establish Its Advocacy Platform?

COSSBA takes a position on Federal education issues at the direction of its members, the leaders of the state school boards associations that participate in the annual business meeting. This deliberative process is detailed in the Consortium’s bylaws. It is intended to ensure that all positions are common among COSSBA member state associations and are focused on the issues that matter most to state school boards associations.

Existing positions (see the tenets linked below) are re-adopted annually by delegates at the annual business meeting. New and revised position statements are also addressed at the meeting. Member delegates, representing each Consortium member, follow Robert’s Rules of Order and vote on each issue with a two-thirds majority required for approval. Overall, they serve as a unifying agenda for public school students.

What is the current timeline for position statements to be considered?

• December 19, 2025 - Deadline for state school board associations to submit their names of delegates and alternates to represent their state association at the Annual Business Meeting - Each state school board association assigns this individual via its executive director.

• January 13, 2026 - Deadline for position proposals to be submitted to COSSBA from each state school board association.

• February 24, 2026 - Deadline for COSSBA to release the Annual Business Meeting packet to delegates and executive directors to prepare for the meeting.

• March 13, 2026 - COSSBA Annual Member Business Meeting held in Louisville, KY.

What are the current tenets prioritized by COSSBA members?

COSSBA’s non-partisan Federal Advocacy Platform focuses on major federal issues with widespread impact on the nation’s public schools and students. At this time, the issues indicated in the COSSBA Platform include Mental Health Supports for K-12 Public Education, Prioritizing K-12 Public Education, Increasing Funding for K-12 Education, Teacher and Principal Training and Recruitment: Title II, Broadband, Connectivity, Cybersecurity, and E-Rate, Child Nutrition Programs, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

What is the role of the Government Affairs Advisory Committee (GAAC)?

The Government Affairs Advisory Committee (GAAC) is charged with monitoring federal developments—including legislative, regulatory, and judicial changes—that could affect COSSBA members. Its primary function is to recommend advocacy positions and materials to the Board of Directors and may involve drafting position statements. Furthermore, the GAAC is responsible for regularly reporting its findings and minutes to the Board and for ensuring that all actions align with the organization’s mission and established policy framework. To inform its decisions, the committee also consults with the Consortium’s federal advocacy firm and recommends nonpartisan coalitions aligned with COSSBA’s objectives.

Membership on the committee is appointed by the COSSBA Chair. It must include one member of the Board of Directors from each area of the Consortium (a total of 4), two Executive Directors from COSSBA member states, and the COSSBA Executive Director (ex officio).

How does COSSBA decide when and if to make a statement on federal issues to members of Congress or federal officials?

COSSBA decides when and whether to issue statements on federal issues to members of Congress and federal officials through a deliberate process for two common types of advocacy letters: those originating externally as multi-organization sign-on letters and those drafted internally as COSSBA-originated letters. To ensure consistency, clarity, and accountability, the Director of Communications and Government Relations conducts an internal review of all draft letters, including verification of the information, a review for divisive language, and alignment with federal advocacy positions. Additionally, when considering group letters, the Director must review the existing signers for potential conflicts. The decision to proceed is finalized only after the Director provides a recommendation to the COSSBA executive director, and the letter has been reviewed and approved by the COSSBA executive director and the GAAC chair. COSSBA-originated letters also require feedback from the COSSBA board chair.

How does COSSBA decide when and if to join education-related coalitions and groups?

First, the COSSBA Director of Communications and Government Relations meets with the potential partner to gather key information, including the organization's mission, current membership, activities, and alignment with COSSBA's goals. Following this initial information gathering, a summary is prepared for the GAAC. Next, the GAAC reviews the provided information, discusses the merits, and ultimately votes on whether COSSBA should join the coalition. If the GAAC votes to proceed, the coalition information is sent to the COSSBA Board of Directors for final approval.

What is the role of Bose Public Affairs Group?

COSSBA partners with Bose Public Affairs Group to monitor and track legislation and regulatory actions that could impact COSSBA membership and serves as COSSBA's representative in national education coalitions such as the Committee for Educational Funding, the IDEA Full Funding Coalition, and the Child Hunger Coalition, and works to build and strengthen relationships with relevant staff in Congress and federal agencies.

Their work includes introductions to Washington policymakers, organizing strategic briefings for leadership, and providing quarterly webinars for COSSB members. A major function is communication and reporting on federal education issues, accomplished through a weekly newsletter that covers Congressional events, regulatory actions, and appropriations.  Additionally, BOSE provides logistical support by assisting with planning in-person Washington, DC, fly-ins and conferences and by maintaining a Washington, DC space for members to work or hold receptions.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kathy McFarland