While classrooms are where students spend most of our time, many of the decisions that shape our learning experience happen far from school hallways. Decisions form inside boardrooms, behind district emails, and during evening meetings where most families don’t even know exist.
Yet, these are the spaces where policies are written, complaints are evaluated, and silence can be mistaken for agreement. If we aren’t present, decisions will be made for us and our children without being made with us.
Attending a school board meeting or filing a public records request might sound intimidating, but both are powerful and legal tools for families, students and community members.
Every public school district in Washington is required to hold regular board meetings. These meetings are open to the public, often live streamed online, and typically include a chance for community members to offer public comment.
That’s your moment.
Whether you’re speaking about an unfair discipline policy, a lack of culturally responsive curriculum, or asking about how school safety is being handled, your voice gets entered into the official record.
If you’ve never been to a board meeting before, it’s okay to begin by listening. Look around and take note of who’s sitting at the table. Are there student representatives? Is there racial diversity on the board? Do they give speakers the time and respect they deserve? Even if you don’t say a word at your first meeting, your presence still matters.
Now, let’s talk records. You may not know this, but in Washington State, school districts are legally obligated to provide public access to most internal documents such as emails between school officials, discipline data and incident reports.
You can request this information at any time. This is called a Public Records Request, and yes, it applies to you whether you’re a parent, a student, or a concerned community member. If the school is dragging its feet or withholding information you believe you’re entitled to, you have a legal right to push back.
Requests should always be made in writing. Be specific about what you’re looking for and keep copies of everything. Districts are required to acknowledge your request within 5 business days. If they don’t? That’s a red flag and a signal to seek support.
Remember, what happens behind closed doors often stays there unless someone asks the right questions. Record requests allow you to bring those conversations into the light.
If standing at a microphone still feels too big, consider this: Just by showing up, you’re shifting the dynamic. Requesting records holds the system accountable and asking questions out loud reminds them someone is watching.
Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or someone stepping into this space for the first time, know that your presence and persistence matter. This is how we build pressure for policy that reflects the realities of all students, not just the ones the district is used to hearing from.
School board meetings aren’t just for insiders. They’re for the people.
And public records? They belong to us.