🏛️ How to Contact Your School Board or Local Representatives (Even If You’ve Never Done It Before)

You don’t have to be a policy expert, a “political person,” or even a parent to reach out to the people making decisions about Texas education. All you need is your voice—and a reason to use it.

If you’re feeling the effects of SB2, confused about school funding, or just care about what’s happening to public schools, this guide will help you take the next step: speaking directly to the people in charge.

🧠 Who Are You Reaching Out To?

There are two key levels of decision-makers:

1. Your Local School Board

They:

• Approve school budgets

• Decide how your district will respond to SB2

• Oversee district leadership (like the superintendent)

• Vote on curriculum, staffing, and policy

📍 If you want to know how your public school is being impacted right now—start here.

2. Your State Representative or Senator

They:

• Help write and vote on state laws like SB2

• Decide how state money gets divided across public and private schools

• Can propose new bills or revisions to existing ones

• Are accountable to the people in their district—that includes you

📍 If you want to challenge or support the larger system—start here.

🔍 How to Find Out Who Represents You

You can use these simple tools:

• 🏫 Find your school board members (Look up your district on the Texas Tribune or your district’s website)

• 🏛️ Find your Texas State Rep/Senator (Type in your address to get their names and contact info)

You don’t need to know them personally to reach out. You just need to be one of their constituents.

💬 What Can You Say?

You don’t need to sound formal or "official." Your message can be as simple as:

“Hi, my name is [Your Name]. I live in your district and I’m trying to understand how the school choice bill (SB2) will affect our public schools. I’d love to know how you’re thinking about this issue, and how I can stay informed.”

Other ways to express your concern:

• “I’m worried that my neighborhood school will lose funding. Can you help me understand what’s being done to protect it?”

• “How will SB2 support kids with disabilities or families who can’t afford private tuition, even with $10,000?”

• “What’s your plan to make sure public schools stay strong, even with these new changes?”

🎯 Your job is to ask real questions from your real perspective.

✉️ How to Contact Them

Choose the way that’s most comfortable for you:

📨 Email

Most reps and school board members have email forms or direct emails. Start here if you're nervous about speaking live.

📞 Phone Call

You’ll usually reach a staff member. Say your name, where you live, and your concern. Ask for a callback if needed.

🧍🏽 In-Person

• Attend school board meetings (check your district’s website)

• Go to town halls or community listening sessions hosted by your rep

• Some reps even have local office hours—drop by and introduce yourself

🗳️ Public Comment

At school board meetings, you can usually sign up to speak during “public comment.” You don’t need to be fancy—just honest.

✊🏽 Why This Matters

Your voice helps shape the choices your leaders make.
When everyday people speak up, leaders are forced to:

• Answer questions they weren’t expecting

• Rethink assumptions about what “the community” wants

• Add pressure to protect public education

• Consider adjustments to how SB2 is rolled out

One voice may feel small, but no voice is silent when it speaks out loud.

And when your voice joins others in your district, your neighborhood, or your parent circle? That’s power. That’s participation. That’s democracy.