Growing up, my father instilled in me a desire to advocate for things I believe in. Talking about things you believe in and supporting the cause of others is an essential attribute of good citizenship.  While I recognize the need to understand legal processes and lead efforts to implement new changes, I have also found the need to build relationships with our legislators, work with my Associations to raise awareness from my perspective, and advocate for needs at our schools.

Early in my educational career, the Ohio Senate President appointed me to serve on multiple State Education Committees. I remember feeling intimidated when I was in a room full of legislators. But over time, I recognized that they wanted to hear from me and encouraged me to share my perspectives.  I also learned the need to fight for what I believed in.

During my interviews to become the Oakwood Schools Superintendent, I was asked how I would advocate for Oakwood Schools. This past year, I met with our state legislators to introduce myself, share the wonderful things happening in Oakwood Schools, and discuss potential areas of need for our schools and students. I also volunteered to serve on the state superintendent's legislative committee to learn more about potential bills, connect with colleagues across the state, share my perspective, and advocate for our district.

Earlier this week, President John Wilson and I attended the AASA, the School Superintendents Association Legislative Advocacy Conference in Washington DC, to discuss school-related issues at the national level as well as advocate on behalf of Oakwood Schools.   At the Conference, Umatilla Superintendent Heidi Sipe affirmed my need to be at this conference: “If you have the energy to complain, you have the energy to advocate.”

Part of the conference was invested in receiving legislative updates and learning about potential changes that could impact our schools and classrooms.  We gained insights into potential reductions in federal title funding that could affect student achievement and the supports we provide to our students who need additional attention.  We heard from high-ranking members of the educational committees and the presidental office sharing information about work being discussed to support chronic absenteeism, student mental health, and upcoming changes in legal updates in areas like IDEA, 504 Plans, and ADA compliance.

In addition to the learning, President Wilson and I had previously set up appointments with staffers from our State Legislator offices, Senator Vance, Senator Brown, and Congressman Turner.  While we were not able to meet with the legislators directly, we were able to meet with staff members from their office overseeing education matters.  During those meetings, we invested time introducing ourselves and sharing about the wonderful things happening in Oakwood Schools.  Combined with talking points from our national association to strengthen our collective voice, President Wilson and I provided our perspectives on the need for additional federal title funding to continue enhancing our work to lower class size, provide professional development on literacy and math, and respond to the mental health needs of our students.  We also advocated for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) funding to help leverage partnerships with local stakeholders, coordinated training with our staff, and supplies and equipment to provide relevant experiences for our students.

A shining moment in meeting with the three staffing offices was meeting two Oakwood Schools Alumni: Amea Bretz and Ella Conard.  Amea Bretz is a 2021 graduate of Oakwood Schools and a current student at Washington University.  She is interning in Senator Brown's Office.  Ella Conard is also a 2021 graduate of Oakwood Schools and a current student at Miami University.  She is interning in Congressman Turner's Office.  I was beaming to see our graduates in high-level positions and hearing their stories of how Oakwood Schools prepared them for life after high school.

I had low expectations that we would receive concrete answers that would satisfy our requests or receive a check to bring back to Oakwood Schools.  But, I was encouraged that the staff listened intently, asked great questions, and took notes.  They appreciated the time to hear our concerns and learn more about Oakwood Schools.  And, we will continue the conversations with our legislators to inform, share, and advocate into the future.