Another one in the books

The 2005 legislative session is history. Each year, educators around the state evaluate the success or failure of the session. I will leave the grading to all of you, but since I have been a bit closer to the action over the past two sessions, I have learned much about the legislative process. Here are a few things I have learned.

• There is never enough money to go around. I have worked in three different states and been involved in many legislative sessions. Each and every year, money is the centerpiece to our discussions. Each and every year, educators leave wanting more, and many lawmakers leave believing they did the best they could.
• Legislatives sessions are like negotiations. Even though the session is at the state level, the “dance” is the same. The schools come in with an offer, and the legislature spends several weeks trying to match it or come close. The governor is much like the superintendent of a school district. He has influence but not complete control. Furthermore, when the session is over, attention turns to the business at hand, and we begin preparing for the following year’s session.
• The process works. In order for a bill to become law, it needs to be widely embraced and accepted. Many bills are introduced, but few survive. In order for a bill to surface at the end, it has to pass the legislative litmus test – and that isn’t easy!
• Lobbying is a full-time job. It is clear that legislators are impacted by their experiences. It is important to give our legislators experiences in our schools.  Invite them to join you for a school event. Include them on committees and put them on your mailing list for school publications. We can’t expect legislators to understand education when they don’t experience it.
• Education is a people business. Even though the session can get a bit contentious, educators are able to move on and work together. I am grateful for the cooperation that exists in South Dakota. We may be divided by the river, size or other factors, but we all agree that our goal is to help our students. I continue to be pleased when I hear of educators around the state who are dedicated to helping all students learn.

The Department of Education (DOE) will be a part of the legislative sessions sponsored by the School Administrators and Associated School Boards this spring. If you have questions of DOE staff, you will have a chance to ask them during these sessions. In addition, you will find a wrap-up of this session’s education-related action in this issue of the “Administrative Memorandum.”