School board meetings are where many decisions about book access happen. When books are challenged, school boards often hold public hearings where community members can voice their opinions. Attending these meetings is one of the most direct ways to advocate for the freedom to read in your community.
Most school board meetings are open to the public, and many include time for community members to speak. Your presence and voice can make a real difference in how board members vote on book challenges and library policies.
Finding When and Where Meetings Occur
School board meetings are typically held monthly, though special sessions may be called for urgent matters like book challenges. Here's how to find meeting information for your district.
Check Your District Website
Most school districts post meeting schedules on their official websites. Look for sections labeled "School Board," "Board of Education," or "Governance."
- Search "[Your district name] school board meetings"
- Look for annual meeting calendars (usually posted in summer/fall)
- Check for meeting agendas posted before each session
- Note if meetings are held in person, virtually, or hybrid
Sign Up for Notifications
Many districts offer email alerts or newsletter subscriptions to stay informed about upcoming meetings.
- Subscribe to district newsletters or board updates
- Follow your school district on social media
- Ask the district office to add you to meeting notification lists
- Sign up for alerts from advocacy organizations like Unite Against Book Bans
Contact the District Office
If you can't find meeting information online, call or email your district's central office.
- Ask for the school board meeting schedule
- Request information about how to submit public comments
- Inquire whether specific topics (like book challenges) are on upcoming agendas
- Ask about accommodations for virtual attendance if available
Helpful Resources for Finding Meetings
When a book challenge is pending, meetings discussing it may be added to the agenda on short notice. Check the district website frequently and consider contacting the board clerk to ask about when the issue will be discussed.
What to Expect at a School Board Meeting
Understanding the typical structure of school board meetings will help you feel more confident attending. While formats vary by district, most follow a similar pattern.
Typical Meeting Structure
- Call to Order: The board chair opens the meeting and establishes quorum
- Pledge/Moment of Silence: Many meetings begin with formalities
- Agenda Approval: Board members approve the meeting agenda
- Public Comment Period: Time for community members to speak (often 2-3 minutes per person)
- Consent Agenda/Reports: Routine items approved as a group
- Action Items: Discussion and votes on specific matters (including book challenges)
- Closed Session: Some matters (personnel, legal) are discussed privately
- Adjournment: Meeting ends
Meeting Environment
- Meetings are typically held in a boardroom, library, or school auditorium
- Seating is usually provided for the public, often separate from board members
- Meetings are generally recorded or have minutes taken for public record
- Some districts livestream meetings or post recordings online afterward
- Photography and recording policies vary—check beforehand
When Book Challenges Are Discussed
Book challenges may be handled differently depending on the district:
- Some districts have a review committee that makes recommendations to the board
- The board may hold a public hearing specifically for the challenge
- Multiple meetings may be needed before a final decision is reached
- Both sides (challengers and defenders) typically have opportunities to speak
- Board members may ask questions or discuss before voting
Review the meeting agenda before attending. If a book challenge is scheduled, the agenda will indicate when it will be discussed. You can usually find agendas on the district website a few days before the meeting.
Signing Up to Speak and What to Prepare
Public comment is your opportunity to share your perspective directly with decision-makers. Preparation is key to making your voice heard effectively.
How to Sign Up
- Advance sign-up: Many districts require you to register before the meeting via email, phone, or online form
- Day-of sign-up: Some districts have a sign-up sheet at the door—arrive early to secure a spot
- Topic indication: You may need to specify what you plan to speak about
- Residency proof: Some districts prioritize or require speakers to be district residents
Time Limits and Rules
- Most districts allow 2-3 minutes per speaker
- A timer is usually visible, or the chair will signal when time is almost up
- You generally cannot yield your time to another speaker or pool time
- Personal attacks on board members or staff are typically prohibited
- Comments should generally relate to district business or agenda items
Preparing Your Statement
Use this checklist to prepare an effective public comment:
- Write out your statement and time yourself reading it aloud
- Introduce yourself and your connection to the district (parent, teacher, student, taxpayer)
- State your position clearly in the first 30 seconds
- Include one or two specific points with supporting evidence
- If speaking about a specific book, mention its title and why it matters
- End with a clear ask: what action do you want the board to take?
- Bring printed copies of your statement to leave with the board
- Practice speaking calmly and at a moderate pace
Sample Speaking Outline (2-3 minutes)
"Good evening. My name is [Name], and I'm a [parent/resident] in this district. My children attend [School Name]."
"I'm here to [support keeping / oppose removing] [Book Title] from our school libraries."
"This book [explain its value: received awards, addresses important themes, represents marginalized communities, helps students understand different perspectives]."
"[Personal story if applicable: how this book or similar books have impacted your family or students]."
"I urge the board to [specific ask: retain the book, follow the established review process, uphold students' right to read]."
"Thank you for your time and service to our community."
If you're nervous about speaking, remember that you're advocating for something important. Board members are community members too, and they want to hear from constituents. Your voice matters, even if it shakes.
Tips for Effective and Respectful Advocacy
How you present yourself and your message can significantly impact how it's received. These strategies will help you advocate effectively while maintaining productive relationships with board members.
Stay Calm and Professional
Board meetings can get heated, especially around controversial topics. Speaking calmly and professionally gives your message more credibility than emotional outbursts.
Focus on Facts
Support your position with specific information: awards a book has won, professional reviews, educational standards it addresses, or statistics about book banning's impact.
Share Personal Stories
Personal experiences are powerful. Share how books have positively impacted your children or why representation in literature matters to your family.
Respect Time Limits
Going over your allotted time frustrates board members and takes time from other speakers. Practice to ensure you stay within limits.
Avoid Personal Attacks
Focus on policies and ideas, not individuals. Attacking board members or those who disagree with you undermines your message.
Bring Supporters
Numbers matter. Encourage like-minded community members to attend, even if they don't speak. A room full of supporters sends a powerful message.
Follow Up in Writing
After the meeting, send a thank-you email to board members, reiterating your points. This creates a written record and reinforces your message.
Attend Regularly
Showing up consistently—even when books aren't on the agenda—builds relationships and demonstrates long-term commitment to education in your district.
What to Do If the Meeting Gets Contentious
Stay seated: Don't engage with opposing speakers or interrupt. Let the chair maintain order.
Don't react: If someone says something you disagree with, avoid visible reactions like sighing, eye-rolling, or booing.
Document if needed: If you witness concerning behavior, note it for later. Most meetings are recorded.
Leave if you feel unsafe: Your safety comes first. You can submit written comments later if needed.
Your Meeting Checklist
Before the Meeting
- Confirm meeting date, time, and location
- Review the agenda to understand what's being discussed
- Sign up to speak if required in advance
- Prepare and practice your statement
- Print copies of your statement for board members
- Invite supportive community members to attend
- Plan to arrive 15-30 minutes early
After the Meeting
- Send thank-you emails to board members
- Share what happened with your network
- Follow up on any commitments made
- Monitor for the next meeting if a decision was delayed
- Connect with others who attended to coordinate future efforts
Every Voice Matters
School board members are elected to represent their communities. When you show up and speak, you're exercising your democratic right to participate in decisions that affect your children, your schools, and your community. Whether you're speaking for the first time or the fiftieth, your voice adds to the public record and helps shape the future of education in your district. Don't underestimate the impact of simply being present.