Issues and Advocacy

Legislative Information

Guides and Tool Kits

TASB staff has prepared the following resources to aid school board members throughout the legislative process.

Talking to the Neighbors about School Funding  (pdf)

A plain-spoken guide that explains school funding in an easy-to-follow Q&A format.

Texas Legislative Witness Guide  (pdf)

A comprehensive guide that explains what one needs to know when preparing to testify before a legislative committee or state agency. Even those just considering delivering testimony should read this guide.

Getting Ready for Session  (pdf)

A step-by-step description of what school boards can do to help prepare their districts for the legislative session. Includes a general timeline. 

Elections Tool Kit

Advocacy Goals for Election Season  (pdf)

Discover some easy advocacy goals school board members can accomplish during election season to help promote their districts and public education.

"Watch What You Say ," Texas Lone Star, April 2007  (pdf)

What board members can and cannot say during bond elections and reelection campaigns.

District Resources and Political Advertising  (pdf)

The Texas Ethics Commission has produced A Short Guide to the Prohibition Against Using School District Resources for Political Advertising in Connection with an Election. It provides important information about political advertising and district resources that school district employees and board members should know. 

Advocacy Tool Kit

Adopt-a-Legislator Guide  (pdf)

The Adopt-a-Legislator program is a proven strategy to help school board trustees become effective advocates for their school districts. The goal of the program is to help each trustee develop a meaningful relationship with one of the policymakers who represents a school district.

Advocacy Goals During the Interim  (pdf)

The Texas Legislature is in session once every two years for 180 days. The time between sessions is called the "interim." The interim is the perfect time to establish relationships with legislators before they head back to Austin for session. This guide includes easy advocacy goals board members can accomplish during the interim to build and improve relationships with legislators and advocate on behalf of their local school districts.

Communicating with Print Media  (pdf)

A guide to writing letters to the editor and opinion editorials, including tips for organizing your thoughts and determining when and where to submit your letter.

Editorial Board Meetings  (pdf)

Learn how to set up, prepare for, and participate in meetings with newspaper editorial boards.