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Throughout the country, Latinos serving in public office are molding policies and programs to improve educational outcomes for all students.  As such, school board members are invited to attend a timely convening on school governance to address the current state of education for Latino students, given the tough economic times we face in our schools. 

As the second largest population group in the United States, the educational attainment of Latino students is intrinsically connected to the nation’s future success.  Demographers have long projected the social and economic trajectory of the country’s shifting population trends.  Census population estimates indicate that the Latino population will continue a rapid rate of growth.  The steady increase of this very youthful population makes it imperative that Latino students benefit from full access to educational experiences of the highest quality.  Understanding the components, procedures and relationship between existing resources and priority areas for accelerating student achievement is a central governance skill for all education policymakers.

The NALEO Educational Fund invites you to enhance your budget knowledge and increase your ability as a school board member to make tough policy decisions in challenging economic times.  According to a recent report, 43 of our nation’s fifty states are experiencing a budget shortfall.  When states face economic downturns, there are real implications for students, teachers, and schools.  States often try to protect K-12 spending during tight budget times.  However, states spend such a large portion of their discretionary spending on education (about 34 percent for K-12 and 11 percent for higher education) that it is difficult to make cuts entirely in other areas.  The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found that during the end of the last recession (2002-2004), 34 states cut real per-pupil aid to school districts.  Already this year 10 states have proposed or implemented funding cuts to K-12 education.  School board members have a critical role to play to ensure that our schools continue to be the epicenter of every community’s development, regardless of the economic challenges we face.

This national convening offers a three-day intensive seminar in a retreat setting where school board members will participate in a series of informational panels and workshops, sessions and strategy groups.  Participants will have access to leading education experts from the public, private and non-profit sectors and will engage in structured discussions.  The Institute is part of the NALEO Education Leadership Initiative (NELI).  NELI provides intensive training and professional development through various institutes organized throughout the year.  The overarching goal of NELI is to provide Latino public servants with the enhanced capacity and governance skills they need to become effective advocates for their students, families, and communities.

We encourage school board members from across the nation to take advantage of this unique opportunity.  There is no fee for current NALEO members ($100 annual membership fee) to attend the Institute and travel scholarships are available to cover roundtrip airfare, as well as a two-night hotel stay.  However, note that scholarships are limited and available through a short application process.  Completed application forms must be submitted by February 6, 2009.