Open Illinois.org

1. Go in person to your local school board meeting, or schedule an appointment with your local superintendent in his/her office.

2. Get on the agenda of the board meeting. If they won’t put you on the agenda, make your presentation during the open session. Shoot for a “yes” vote from the school board when you’re finished presenting.

3. Bring copies of a flier (see here for a sample) explaining your cause. Hand it out to the board and people attending the meeting.

4. Arrive early, hand out the flier, and leave extras at the sign-in table.

5. Introduce yourself and state your purpose right away: “I’m _______, and I’m here to ask you to post our school district’s check register online.” If you have any personal relationship to the school district, such as, “I went to this school,” or “I have lived here for 30 years,” mention it.

6. Know why you are there and why posting is important. You will most likely be asked. (Some reasons are also provided on the flier).

7. If you have questions or need help, contact Kate Campaigne, our director of transparency policy. Also, please make sure you let us know about your success!

If the Board says:

• “YES” – Be sure to follow up with a nice letter to the local paper commending the board for its action.

• “We’ll think about it” – Stay persistent! Write letters, ask friends to call, send faxes and emails to the board and superintendent showing their support for posting the check register. Keep your language positive-this is a team effort! Some possible groups to approach and ask for additional support include the media, rotary clubs, mom groups, local chambers of commerce, and church groups.

• “NO” – File a FOIA request. Don’t attack the board-you are simply looking for more information. Ask good questions as well: for example, “If we’re broke and you’re cutting programs, why are you spending money on _______?”