My daughter is a budding artist and is a participant in the Young Rembrandts art program after school. A few years ago, JCPS discussed eliminating afterschool programs like Young Rembrandts because they required a payment and were run by for-profit companies. The potential of eliminating a valuable learning opportunity for my daughter upset my wife and I greatly, so I decided to go in front of the board to address the issue. It was something I was glad I did because it made my voice heard AND it resulted in my family getting exactly what we wanted, the continuation of these afterschool programs.
If there is something that is bothering you or that you would like to address with the Board of Education, I encourage you to do so. What follows is a step by step guide to having your voice heard by the board.
Step 1: Determine what you want to say. Note that you will have three minutes to address the board, so you'll need to be concise and try to only address one or two topics. I highly recommend making some notes for yourself and practicing to make sure that what you have to say is less than three minutes. Be sure to state your issue, provide information on how it impacts you or the community, and advise what you want JCPS or the Board of Education to do. Be sure to avoid inflammatory comments and to be polite to the members of the Board.
Step 2: Call the Board of Education at (502) 485-3342 and advise the secretary that you want to speak at the next board meeting and why. Meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Mondays of the month, starting at 7 PM. (The meeting dates can be found here.) You also may register in person before the meeting. Board meetings are held at the VanHoose Education Center at 3332 Newburg Road. (Map)
Step 3: Show up on time for the evening's meeting. There is a sheet at each meeting where the public can sign up to speak. Even if I have already called, I usually sign this sheet to make sure I'm on the agenda.
Step 4: Wait for your turn to speak. Note that the comments from parents are typically reserved until the end of the meeting unless relate to an agenda item. If the agenda is particularly busy, you may have to wait two or three hours for your name to be called.
Step 5: When your name is called, approach the podium and give your remarks. If the alarm sounds that you've exceeded your time, make sure to wrap up as quickly as possible. Always thank the board for listening.
Step 6: Repeat as often as necessary throughout your child's school career.
I truly believe that the students, parents and community that JCPS serves need to be an active presence at School Board meetings. When we all make our voices heard at these meetings, we can affect change for the better within JCPS.
If you'd like some help addressing your issue with the Board of Education, feel free to contact me.
If there is something that is bothering you or that you would like to address with the Board of Education, I encourage you to do so. What follows is a step by step guide to having your voice heard by the board.
Step 1: Determine what you want to say. Note that you will have three minutes to address the board, so you'll need to be concise and try to only address one or two topics. I highly recommend making some notes for yourself and practicing to make sure that what you have to say is less than three minutes. Be sure to state your issue, provide information on how it impacts you or the community, and advise what you want JCPS or the Board of Education to do. Be sure to avoid inflammatory comments and to be polite to the members of the Board.
Step 2: Call the Board of Education at (502) 485-3342 and advise the secretary that you want to speak at the next board meeting and why. Meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Mondays of the month, starting at 7 PM. (The meeting dates can be found here.) You also may register in person before the meeting. Board meetings are held at the VanHoose Education Center at 3332 Newburg Road. (Map)
Step 3: Show up on time for the evening's meeting. There is a sheet at each meeting where the public can sign up to speak. Even if I have already called, I usually sign this sheet to make sure I'm on the agenda.
Step 4: Wait for your turn to speak. Note that the comments from parents are typically reserved until the end of the meeting unless relate to an agenda item. If the agenda is particularly busy, you may have to wait two or three hours for your name to be called.
Step 5: When your name is called, approach the podium and give your remarks. If the alarm sounds that you've exceeded your time, make sure to wrap up as quickly as possible. Always thank the board for listening.
Step 6: Repeat as often as necessary throughout your child's school career.
I truly believe that the students, parents and community that JCPS serves need to be an active presence at School Board meetings. When we all make our voices heard at these meetings, we can affect change for the better within JCPS.
If you'd like some help addressing your issue with the Board of Education, feel free to contact me.
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