Running for local office

[YankeyMCC]

Hello,

I am considering a run for my local School Committee. I'd be very interested to hear of the experiences, and advice, of other DU members who've run for local office.

My town is about 45,000 in population, it's a town meeting government, and is very close to a large city, Boston, so it's a suburb but still very urban in style and culture.

I'd be interested to hear whatever others have to share about the experience and prospect of running for local office. What sort of issues were you faced with? Did you have a detailed involvement and understanding of the issues prior to running? Did you learn more about the issues as you ran, if so how? How much money did it take? etc...

[whalerider55]

1. Yankeymcc

contact me by DU e-mail.
I am currently an elected member of the Newburyport School COmmittee here in MA. I'd be happy to share the precious little wisdom i've acquired.

whalerider55

[NoFederales]

2. Schools

As a longtime educator, get on both sides of District's issues, those being the teacher's viewpoints (and their representative teacher groups if they exist), and the administration's viewpoints. Wade through the massive bullshit you will find in Mission Statements, Goals, ad nauseum, but do it because if it's policy and isn't followed some ass ought to be kicked.

You are also going to have to decide whether you are an academic progressive, or an entertainment advocate (unless you have a private school, you are most probably in the entertainment advocacy group). Some States and some schools are worse than others, but if you do not expect academic units to be 100% academics, you won't get classroom teachers to look favorably at you.

There are many other issues out there, but these are two very broad places to begin. Good luck.

NoFederales

[DaedelusNemo]

4. academic progressive vs. entertainment advocate?

Say, for the benefit of those of us who would like to know more about these issues, i don't suppose you could briefly describe the issue involved here?

[DaveinMD]

3. I've ran many campaigns for local office

It is a good idea to learn as much as you can right away. You will definitely learn a lot more as you go through the process. That is completely normal.

How much money it takes depends on how many voters there are. If you need to reach 10,000 voters, it should cost about $5,000 each time you mail to those voters. At least, that is what I would charge my clients. That includes the cost of writing, design, printing at a union printer, mailing and postage. A good rule of thumb is 50 cents per piece. I'd be happy to answer any other questions.

[OhioBlue]

5. Be sure to attend the current Board meetings

I don't have any experience to share, but locally we have been through Board battles. And, from what I have seen, it is very important to know what is going on and to have a well informed, educated opinion. Learn about your local school funding, budget issues, etc. Best of Luck to you.