In May 2023, Lovejoy PTO Council decided to have a louder voice in the 88th legislative session; there were bills on the table that would negatively affect the funding of Lovejoy and ultimately hurt our unique and quality programming. I helped champion this effort by drafting PTO legislative newsletters and social media posts with the goal of informing and encouraging our community to “speak up for Lovejoy.”
That initial movement spurred the formation of additional grassroots advocacy parent groups that I have been honored to participate in as we do our best to personally lobby our legislators to support Lovejoy and fully fund our public schools.
This timeline below highlights some key advocacy events for my part, but it by no means encapsulates all of the hard work, conversations, planning, and passion that has come with Lovejoy parents banding together for the good of our kids! In that light, I would like to recognize some of the parents that have been by my side throughout this entire advocacy process—our overall progress towards more funding for Lovejoy would not have been possible without them!
Cassie Webb
Cheraina Dunn
Kasey Havens
Stephanie McGowan
Christy Forte
Melanie Dykstra
Jana Manders
Jill Lamping
Allison Vermie
May 2023
Drafted two PTO Council legislative newsletters informing parents about specific bills that would impact Lovejoy and encouraging them to call our representatives and “speak up for Lovejoy!”
August 2023
Welcomed our youngest daughter into the Stock Family 😉
September 2023
Drafted third PTO Council legislative newsletter addressing the upcoming special session and priorities related to public school funding
January 2024
Attended rally at Lucas Christian Academy for Gov. Abbott and Rep. Noble with other parents in support of funding for Lovejoy and our public schools
February 2024
Drafted fourth PTO Council legislative newsletter summarizing the 88th legislative session and its impact on public school funding
March 2024
Attended a meeting with Rep. Noble to discuss Lovejoy’s current funding issues and focused specifically on a raise in the basic allotment
April 2024
Coordinated a legislative advocacy parent workshop with Missy Bender, Trustee in Residence from Raise Your Hand Texas
June 2024
Attended second meeting with Rep. Noble to discuss Lovejoy’s current funding issues and suggest a raise in the GT Allotment as a possible avenue for additional funding for Lovejoy
July 2024
Attended Texas Tribune Lawmakers Event with Raise Your Hand Texas and discussed Lovejoy funding with Sen. Johnson and Rep. Morgan Meyer
Met with Sen. Johnson’s Legislative Deputy Director, Alvaro Diaz, to follow up on discussion regarding Lovejoy funding and potential bill ideas including increasing the GT allotment and Small-Midsize district allotments
August 2024
Drafted fifth PTO Council legislative newsletter re-engaging Lovejoy parents to speak up for Lovejoy and tune into the August 12 Public Education Committee Hearing about public education funding priorities for the next legislative session
Attended a meeting with Rep. Morgan Meyer to follow up on discussion regarding Lovejoy funding and potential bill ideas including increasing the GT allotment and Small-Midsize district allotments
September 2024
Attended meeting with Sen. Angela Paxton to discuss Lovejoy’s current funding issues, advocate for increasing both the basic allotment and teacher pay, and suggest potential bill ideas to help with funding including raises in allotments related to GT, SPED, Safety & Security, and Small-Midsize districts
October 2024
Drafted sixth PTO Council legislative newsletter encouraging parents to research candidates and their positions on public education and most importantly, VOTE!
November 2024
Thanked Rep. Noble for her filing of HB 977 proposing a raise in the GT Allotment
December 2024
Attended brief meeting with Rep. Brad Buckley, Chairman of the House Public Education Committee to discuss Lovejoy’s current funding issues, the need to increase public school funding and advocate for a raise in the GT allotment
January 2025
Traveled to Austin with fellow advocate and Lovejoy mom, Cassie Webb, where we visited 12 different legislators’ offices including: Chairman Buckley, Rep. Noble, Sen. Paxton, Sen. Parker, Rep. Hinojosa, Rep. Meyer, Sen. Creighton, etc. to deliver Lovejoy parent letters and advocate for students and teachers. A trip we’ll never forget!
