Spencer-Owen representatives attend ISBA State House Day

Spencer-Owen Community Schools Board President and Board Legislative Liaison Derek Morgan and Superintendent Andy Cline attended the Indiana School Boards Association’s seventh annual State House Day at the Indianapolis Hyatt Regency on Feb. 18.

The annual gathering offered school board members an in-depth briefing on the education bills under debate this session, informative panel discussions with top lawmakers and a special opportunity to connect with representatives and senators from their area.

The morning opened with the ISBA lobbying team providing an update on bills impacting public education and an overview of ISBA’s advocacy efforts to date. Following the briefing, a panel discussion was held with leaders from the four legislative caucuses. Next, the chairs and minority party members of the House and Senate education committees participated in a conversation and audience Q&A.

During lunch, attendees were seated with legislators from their region, providing an opportunity for school board members to share their local perspective on issues of concern. Finally, board members made their way across Washington Street to the State House to observe session and conduct additional meetings with lawmakers.

“Our voices matter in shaping education policy, and this event was a great opportunity to engage with lawmakers on issues impacting our schools,” Morgan said.

The annual event is part of ISBA’s award-winning Legislative Action Network, a program that leverages the unified voices of Indiana school boards to inform, influence and shape sound education policy.

“School board engagement in organized grassroots advocacy is crucial,” ISBA Executive Director Terry Spradlin said. “School board members can bring attention to issues that might not be on legislators’ radar, and their informed perspectives can directly sway lawmakers’ decisions on proposed policies.”

The legislative leadership panel featured House Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Karickhoff, Senate School Funding Subcommittee Chair Eric Bassler, House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta and Senate Minority Leader Shelli Yoder. The education committee panel consisted of House Education Committee Chair Bob Behning, Senate Education and Career Development Committee Chair Jeff Raatz, House Education Committee Ranking Minority Member Vernon Smith and Senate Education and Career Development Committee Member Fady Qaddoura.