School Board Meeting Resources

Education is the cornerstone of our democracy, and schools should be places of liberation where every student can thrive and reach their full potential.

Public schools should be controlled by the public they serve. Schools should be at the center of community revitalization, and school districts and board members craft and implement the majority of policies that directly impact students every day.


School boards are the closest form of government to community members and have immediate, tangible impacts.


There are more than 14,000 school districts in the United States governed by more than 95,000 school board members. These leaders help direct the expenditure of more than $600 billion annually to teach more than 50 million students. (There are less than 7,400 members of state legislatures – House AND Senate – in all 50 states, in comparison).

We have designed these resources to help guide you through attending these school board meetings and ensuring that your school district's leaders are fostering an educational environment that is inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ+ students. 

School Board Advocacy Toolkit: Start here. This resource has helpful information on what to expect from a school board meeting, context on how decisions are made, and tips to help you advocate for LGBTQ+ students and students of other minorities to make sure there is an equitable school environment for all students.

School Board Meeting 101 Form: This is meant to aid in gathering information about the actual Board of Education Meeting (i.e. School Board Meeting). This tool should be completed annually for each school district in your area. The basic information helps you know when/ where meetings take place, how meetings are run, and the spaces where you have the opportunity to advocate.

Board of Education Member Profile: Use this guide to gather information about the people who serve on the school board (or other governing board). This tool should be completed after each election, appointment, or change in leadership of the school board. The information helps to not only humanize and give face to the board members but also to note their history, personal politics, and affiliations with the larger community. All important information for safety, strategy, and how the make-up of the board may handle specific topics and themes.