Norfolk Public Schools Hosts "Take Your Legislator to School Day" to Brief Lawmakers on District Needs

Norfolk Public Schools hosted "Take Your Legislator to School Day," inviting the legislators who represent the city to visit schools and see how policies affect classrooms. After tours, attendees gathered at Sherwood Forest Elementary to hear and discuss the district's legislative agenda.

A district representative told attendees that it is "incredibly important for our legislators to hear directly from the people that they represent," noting that firsthand accounts from school board members, principals, teachers and students help lawmakers weigh competing priorities.

One attendee described the event as "very inviting, good presentation," and said seeing schools firsthand will help delegates advocate for the district when the legislature reconvenes in January. Another attendee said the visit improved their understanding of Department of Education activities and offered ideas for how attendees can serve as liaisons to support schools in the next session.

The gathering was presented as an opportunity for lawmakers to learn about school needs and for district leaders to build relationships ahead of the upcoming legislative session. The transcript did not record specific policy asks, bills, votes or commitments made during the meeting.