‘Governance First’ sets CSBA’s legislative agenda
Published: May 1, 2013
“Governance First: These two words say it all,” explained Vernon M. Billy, executive director of the California School Boards Association, when asked recently about the association’s new mantra for its legislative agenda.
Governance First, the theme for the association’s legislative and public affairs activities through 2014, is anchored on CSBA’s mission. In addition to providing members with the tools and resources needed to be effective local governance leaders, CSBA is the only statewide educational association that advocates for local governance and champions the importance of local control to the Legislature, governor, federal officials, the courts and state and federal agencies.
“Governance First is foundational to who we are as CSBA and why we exist. Strengthening local governance is essential to a strong and stable public education system,” Billy added.
In meetings with state lawmakers and the governor’s staff, and in public presentations taking place across the state, CSBA leaders are promoting Governance First and urging members to join this effort by echoing the Governance First slogan in their key messaging to lawmakers, the public and media.
“Through the work of CSBA’s president, board and Delegate Assembly, CSBA continues to advance a strong legislative agenda. In this fast-paced world of slogans and snappy visuals, we stand a better chance of cutting through the clutter when talking with education policy staff, the media, and other influencers if we carefully anchor our messages around a unifying theme. Governance First is simple for everyone to understand. Our focus on local governance is what distinguishes our work on behalf of public education,” explained Billy.
Governance First is the unifying message that is being underscored by the Governmental Relations staff when they testify in legislative hearings, and as they help to move CSBA’s legislative agenda with policy leaders and legislative staff. In addition to advocating our legislative positions through the Governance First lens, the Governmental Relations staff is using Governance First to address other leading statewide issues, including Gov. Jerry Brown’s Local Control Funding Formula, Senate Constitutional Amendment 3 (which would lower the voter approval threshold for parcel tax initiatives) and a proposed statewide school facilities bond.
“Governance team leaders are uniquely suited to carry the significance of Governance First to their communities, local media outlets and their local, state and federal representatives because they are, after all, the ones entrusted with rendering the policy decisions that support strong local schools,” Billy added.
Governance First was the foundation of CSBA’s successful Board Member Action Day, held on May 10. It also has been championed by CSBA President Cindy Marks and is the focus of the legislative agenda presentations given by Billy and Dennis Meyers, assistant executive director of Governmental Relations, throughout CSBA's 21 regions. Learn more by visiting the Advocacy section of the new website at csba.org.