The political landscape for public schools has changed. State and federal policymakers have assumed a larger role in decisions affecting local schools, particularly in the areas of accountability and funding. Parents United believes if we want a robust public school system that works for all kids, we must understand how the political arena works.

Public education is at the core of democracy but it must be equitable and high quality. Parents United brings citizens together to drive that high quality. Minnesota’s state constitution clearly delineates “the duty of the legislature to establish a general and uniform system of public schools” (Article XIII). For this reason, Parents United works for systemic change at the state level by bringing parents to the table.

Bringing the parent “voice” to the policy debate in support of high-quality, well-funded public schools for all districts is parent involvement at its best. Parents United works with parents so they understand the connection between advocacy and public policy as well as their critical role in defining education policy and funding priorities. By organizing and networking, we provide the information and support parents need to become effective advocates with local and state policy makers.

Since policy makers resonate to their own constituents, communities need to tell their own stories. Parents United has earned a reputation for educating and organizing parents so they can speak for themselves. Empowering community leaders builds social capital and long term impact.

A parent group in a suburban district worked for five years to pass a local levy. One of their local elected officials was less than supportive of their efforts, telling them that they “just needed to work harder” and that it was obvious that the local community did not think well of the local schools. During their fifth attempt they found out - through Parents United - that this same representative introduced legislation to freeze property taxes, making the levy effort impossible.

Incensed, one of the parents flew down to the capitol and came into the hearing room where the representative was just completing a hearing. She confronted him with her knowledge of his actions and asked him — why? He was stunned that she knew of his introduction of the bill and became so flustered he actually pushed past her and left the hearing room. She turned toward his vanishing figure and said — he’s done.

She and the rest of the parent group figured they had learned a great deal running five campaigns so why not use that knowledge toward making an even greater impact and so worked to elect his opponent. Considered the most surprising upset during that election season, this eight-term veteran representative was ousted. Oh, the power of the right information in the right hands at the right time!! This is what Parents United strives for! BTW—they passed the levy as well!

Effective teachers, early childhood education, trained leadership, data-driven decisions and a reformed education funding formula – all inextricably linked to state-level policy decisions – are needed to close the achievement gap and improve success for all students in Minnesota. Parents who advocate for their children at the local school level – serving on levy campaigns, site councils or district-wide committees – often realize that many education issues actually need to be dealt with at the state level. Yet the statewide political process is often opaque and responsive only to the loudest voices. Parents United’s work is all about making this process transparent.

Racial, economic and social equity can only be achieved if kids have a level playing field; excellent schools provide that. Ordinary citizens from across the state must insist that Minnesota provide those excellent schools. To ensure a sound, equitable E-16 education system, we need a citizen group whose total focus is to fight for it at the state level. This is the mission of Parents United.

Parents United:
• Actively educates and engages a growing statewide network to act on behalf of Minnesota’s public school children.
• Holds elected officials accountable to provide necessary policies and funding to enable public schools to meet state and federal academic standards.
• Promotes a community environment in which public schools can flourish by working with parents, school officials, teachers, and business and community leaders to build community support for public education.