Governmental Relations
A primary purpose of TASB is to represent school boards at the Texas Legislature when decisions are being made that may affect their districts. The Governmental Relations Division monitors legislative developments, keeps members updated on activities, and promotes TASB's Advocacy Agenda in person with state and federal lawmakers, the State Board of Education, and other agencies.
To further extend TASB's advocacy mission, Governmental Relations staff offer the following services:
- Alert members when new legislative developments require quick action
- Train members to become effective advocates
- Sponsor legislative seminars and conferences addressing legislative issues
- Help trustees prepare to testify before legislative committees
- Promote a strong grassroots effort
- Help in the development of the TASB Advocacy Agenda
- Coordinates testimony at the Capitol on critical issues
Governmental Relations hosts Grassroots Meetings in even-numbered years to help define the Advocacy Agenda. During odd-numbered years the Post-Legislative Conference and Capitol Conference are held. TASB and the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) host a Pre-Legislative Seminar before each regular session begins.
The Legislative Report is published weekly during legislative sessions and monthly during the interim to keep members current on legislative activities.