A delegation of ACSA school principals recently took part in the National School Leaders Advocacy Conference, March 27-30 in Washington, D.C., which was hosted jointly by the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NAESP and NASSP). ACSA leaders met for a full day with congressional legislators on Capitol Hill to advocate for education policy on behalf of California students, staff and schools. The ACSA Elementary, Middle Grades and Secondary education councils are California’s state affiliates to NAESP and NASSP.

The ACSA delegation consisted of:

“In the years I have spent advocating, in both Sacramento and D.C., I have never felt the overwhelming importance of our efforts as I did this year,” said Borba. “As we continue to recover from a global pandemic, respond to a growing need for trauma-informed practices, and remain focused on doing what’s best for our children and community in a politically divided culture, our lawmakers need to hear our voices.” Delegations for all 50 states conducted over 309 Hill visits with a unified voice and message surrounding the issues of moving forward and passing a series of bills addressing:

In preparation for Hill visits with legislators and their education policy staff, more than 40 participants representing all 50 state delegations participated in essential advocacy training including keynote speakers, panels and three targeted breakout sessions. One of these breakout sessions was conducted by Borba and Lawson, who serve on the boards of both national associations. They led a practicum session to develop the skills for using the power of telling a story to connect the NASSP-NAESP legislative agenda to influence, teach and inspire the legislative policy makers to action.

“As a first-time participant in a national legislative advocacy effort, I am so very appreciative for the leadership of Derrick Lawson and Scott Borba,” said Schilling. “The leadership they provided for the California team allowed us to unify a collective voice to the California representatives.”

The delegation also had the opportunity to interact with Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten (former superintendent in San Diego Unified School District) following her keynote presentation.

The team advocated for ensuring continued legislative funding commitments to:

The ACSA delegation met with the congressional offices of United States Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla as well as those of United States Representatives Pete Aguilar (CA 33rd), John Duarte (CA 13th), David Valladao (CA 22nd), Kevin Kiley (CA 3rd), Katie Porter (CA 47th), Jim Costa (CA 21st) and Raul Ruiz (CA 25th).

Each ACSA leader came back inspired by seeing and hearing the impact of their collective efforts with legislators as educators face an ever-changing and shifting education paradigm, and the long-term impacts from the pandemic.

“The event was an incredible experience and the opportunity to work alongside colleagues from the state, and across the country, was very inspiring,” said Daniels. “We all share the calling and passion to do what is right for kids and to fight for American public education. Our voices were heard. It was a privilege to represent ACSA and NASSP on Capitol Hill and I look forward to continuing this important work on behalf of public education across the country. Our work continues.”

Added Borba: “If you’ve never called or written your lawmaker, there has never been a more important time. Tell them we need more time to use our ESSER III money as you can’t put an end date on recovery. Tell them you can’t compete for competitive grants but your kids still need support. Tell them to allow local school boards and school leaders to make decisions based upon the needs of their communities!”