Plum School Board Member Appointed to National Advocacy Network

Information courtesy of Plum Borough School District

Plum School Board member Joe Tommarello has been appointed to the National School Boards Association's Federal Relations Network, a national grassroots advocacy network comprised of local school board members from across the country who are committed to advocating on behalf of public education at the federal level.  

The FRN has been active for 40 years as thousands of school board members have advocated for the priority federal legislative issues that are established by NSBA’s Delegate Assembly every year.

“I am proud to be appointed as an FRN member and look forward to making a difference as we advocate for NSBA’s priority issues as the federal level,” Tommarello said. “This advocacy institute provides a platform for me to showcase the success of our district with our members of Congress, the Administration and fellow school board members across the nation.  

"In addition, it provides an opportunity to learn from other advocates about strategies that could benefit our district’s efforts to advance student achievement and to continue a dialogue with our congressional leaders about priorities such as closing achievement gaps, raising graduation rates, college and career readiness for students, and effective school performance and accountability.”

FRN members have a significant responsibility as they commit to developing a rapport with their U.S. representatives and senators and communicate the impact that federal legislation may have on their local schools as a proposal is moving through the legislative process.  

FRN members help “paint the picture” for federal legislators by providing local impact data and anecdotal evidence when responding to calls to action from the National School Boards Association.  

FRN members are also encouraged to invite their members of congress to participate in a tour of their schools so those members can see the public education system in action.      

As an FRN member, Tommarello is invited to participate in the National School Boards Advocacy Institute, scheduled February 2-4, 2014 in Washington, D.C.  The Institute will advance federal issues as well as state issues of significance.