jim kowalkowski - wssda.org conference/2014/handouts/11.20.14... · jim kowalkowski, davenport...

Have you downloaded WSSDA 2014? Search for the app in iTunes or Google Play Store and join the conversation.

WELCOME.

1. Tap Agenda 2. Locate this session in the agenda 3. Tap Check In

Working Effectively with Legislators

• Jim Kowalkowski, Davenport School District Superintendent & Director – Rural Education Center

• Brad Sweet, Davenport School District Board Member

• and…

Presenters

• Shelly Short, State Representative, 7th District

Special Guest

Goal of this Presentation

Provide you with practical & timely tips/strategies to help you work more effectively with state legislators on key

education issues

Washington State Legislature

• 2015 Session Starts on Monday, January 12

• That is 54 days from today!

Washington State Legislature

• 2015 Session McCleary Contempt Order

1351 Suspend?

Prediction: Several extended sessions July?

Working with Legislators

• If you don’t advocate for your students and your community, who will?

• Elbow partner activity…

Working with Legislators • Do these organizations effectively

influence legislators? WEA Washington Policy Center State Board of Education League of Education Voters Stand for Children WSSDA WASA Others:

Working with Legislators

If you don’t advocate for

your students and your

community, who will?

School Board Directors &

State Legislators What do they

have in common?

State Legislators

Put yourself in their shoes…

Facing large, hostile crowds!

Many requests, not enough money!

Dealing with Highly Emotional Issues!

Dealing with Anger & Demands

Sorting Through Mounds of Paperwork

As a school director or administrator…what strategies do

some people use that are NOT effective regarding getting your

support on an issue?

Legislators: what strategies do some people use that are NOT effective regarding getting your

support on an issue?

As a school director or administrator…what strategies do

some people use that are effective regarding getting your

support on an issue?

Legislators: what strategies do some people use that are

effective regarding getting your support on an issue?

Q & A with Rep. Short

Develop relationships with your legislators…

Magazine Article, Lind Combine

Derby & a State Senator…

Working Effectively with Legislators

Testifying Tips

Working with Legislators

• “Some one else will do that…”

• “I don’t have time to keep up with all this legislative stuff…”

• Someone at WSSDA will take care of all of this…”

Working with Legislators • Have at least one director on your board serve

as your legislative rep. This person needs to be committed to keeping current on legislative issues. This person also needs to attend the WSSDA legislaitve in Olympia and needs to connect and develop relationships with your state legislators.

Working with Legislators

Important Strategy: You board and your

superintendent need to be in agreement when you take a specific stand on an issue

“Gotta Do’s”

• Be a cheerleader and advocate for your school district

• If you get a request from a legislator or his/her aide – be sure to respond quickly

• Other:

Questions?

We’d love to have your feedback. Take a moment to participate in a quick survey about this session in WSSDA 2014.

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING.

1. Tap Agenda 2. Locate this session in the agenda 3. Tap Check In (if you haven’t already) 4. Tap Take Survey