Meridian CUSD #223 board members attend COSSBA Federal Advocacy Conference

SUBMITTED PHOTO Tempo
Meridian CUSD #223 board members Jill Huber and Tim DeVries recently attended the Federal Advocacy Conference hosted by the Consortium of State School Boards Associations in Washington, D.C. From left: Jeremy Duffy, IASB Deputy Executive Director; Mike Stevens, IASB Director of Governmental Relations; Paul Carpenter, RPS Board Member; Tim DeVries, MCUSD Board Member; Congressman Darren LaHood; Jill Huber, MCUSD Board Member; and Mark Harms, IASB President of the Board of Directors.

Meridian CUSD #223 proudly announces that board members Jill Huber and Tim DeVries recently attended the Federal Advocacy Conference hosted by the Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA). This annual conference in Washington, D.C., provided an invaluable opportunity for board members to discuss key federal education policies and their impact on school districts.

As part of their advocacy efforts, Huber and DeVries met with Representative Darin LaHood, who represents Illinois’ 16th Congressional District. Their discussion focused on the critical issues affecting public education, including federal funding, school safety, and policies that directly impact the students and communities of Meridian CUSD #223. The meeting allowed the board members to express concerns and share insights from their district, ensuring that local educational needs are considered in federal decision-making. “I sincerely thank our Board of Education for their dedication to advocacy by actively engaging with our elected officials to champion the needs of our students and community,” stated Dr. PJ Caposey, Superintendent.

“We are proud of the work Mrs. Huber and Mr. DeVries are doing to advocate for our district at both the federal and state levels,” said John Smith, President of the Meridian CUSD #223 Board of Education. “Their participation ensures our students, educators, and community voices are heard at the state and national levels. Collaboration with our representatives is key to addressing the challenges and opportunities in public education.”

COSSBA’s Federal Advocacy Conference is a vital platform for local school leaders to collaborate with policymakers and advocate for effective education policies. Meridian CUSD #223 remains committed to working with federal representatives to enhance educational outcomes for all students.

Please contact the district office for more information about Meridian CUSD #223’s participation in the Federal Advocacy Conference or to learn about ongoing advocacy efforts.