ACSA is inviting members to participate in Legislative Action Day, March 22-23 in Sacramento.

Legislative Action Day is an excellent opportunity for ACSA members to meet with Capitol policymakers, the ones who help determine what level of funding schools will receive and what the state will ask school leaders to do in the course of their jobs. The event allows ACSA members to meet these politicians and inform them on the crucial need to protect school funding as much as possible, even in a tough economy. ACSA members can also share with them face-to-face what the association would like to see happen in the legislative arena to help them provide the best education possible for California students.

ACSA Vice President for Legislative Action Alice Petrossian urged members to participate in the event.

“I’ve often heard the statement, if not now, then when? If not me, then who?” Petrossian said. “This is a crucial time in the history of education in the state of California. It is a time when all of us should be ready to stand up and have our voices heard. There is more of an urgency to this year’s Legislative Action Day than ever before. The future of quality education in our public schools is dependent on the will of elected officials.”

Legislative Action Day asks members to share with politicians exactly how policies affect them in their everyday positions as school leaders. Along with the opportunity to meet with legislators from individual regions, special invited guests will offer insights on Capitol machinations. This year, state Sen. Joe Simitian has been invited to offer some tips on meeting legislators during the pre-LAD events on Sunday, March 22, after which ACSA members will practice a little role-playing to try out his recommendations.

Then on March 23, after a full day of meeting state policymakers, there will be ample opportunity to network and enjoy the company of colleagues.

“Superintendents throughout the state have already taken real leadership in advocating for funding and programmatic needs for all of our students,” Petrossian said. “It is time that their voices and efforts be joined by all administrators in the state of California. Your attendance at Legislative Action Day is a must. As all educators understand, numbers unfortunately speak louder than words. We are an organization of 16,000 members and should make sure our voices are heard through numerous channels and in partnership with the Education Coalition. If we could be 1,000 strong on March 23, we will be heard.

“Let’s join hands as superintendents, central office leaders, school site administration and classified leaders to make this year’s Legislative Action Day truly count. I am looking forward to greeting each of you personally at that event. Thank you for caring about the future of California’s students.”

If you wish to participate in Legislative Action Day, please contact your regional vice president for legislative action.