A group of California leaders spent a few chilly days in Washington, D.C., last month for the National School Leadership Advocacy Conference.

This annual conference held by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) is one way ACSA is engaged in federal and state legislative advocacy in this critical time for educational funding decisions.

The advocacy work demonstrates a strong commitment to influencing education policy on behalf of California students, staff, and schools. Meeting with state legislators on Capitol Hill is a critical step in ensuring that the voices of ACSA leaders are heard, influencing the funding decisions that meet the unique needs of California’s education system.

The ACSA Council of Elementary Education Leaders and Council of Middle Grades Education Leaders are California’s state affiliates to NAESP.

The issues highlighted during the visits with California legislators were: safe and healthy learning environments, school leadership, and federal K-12 education budget priorities.

The ACSA delegation consisted of:

• Dr. John Schilling (Region 10), superintendent/principal, Southside Elementary School District, and ACSA Elementary Education Council President.
• Diana Vu, ACSA legislative advocate.
• Bill W. Sanderson, ACSA Director of Leadership Academies and NAESP state executive representative for California.

“Overall, the National School Leaders Advocacy Conference was an amazing experience. We had the opportunity to speak with other school leaders from every state and collectively understand the impact of our educational concerns that we face,” Schilling said. “Working together, we were able to unify our voices and represent every state with consensus.”

Continued engagement in legislative advocacy is key in supporting positive change and securing necessary resources for educational systems in our state. The collaboration with ACSA and our national affiliates demonstrates the collective commitment to the challenges and opportunities within our educational system.

“My advice to all educators is to share your voice. Your experience and expertise allows you to give our legislators the confidence to vote the right way and ensure that schools are given the priority they deserve,” Schilling said. “Don’t take a back seat and let those with no experience in education determine your future as an educator and leader — this is your chance to help steer the ship in the right direction.”