Connect, Direct, Solidify: Maximize Mass, Minimize Cash
by Lorie Barzano
Lorie Barzano, Co-Chair, CoalitionSAUS (Strengthen Austin Urban Schools), PAA affiliate and
grassroots, parent led group representing 20 public school campuses in Austin’s urban core, which has a vision of quality, accessible public education for all. You can contact Lorie at coalitionsaus@gmail.com.
These days, it can seem like a new charter school pushes to open daily, state legislators sponsor ALEC-backed bills on a weekly basis, local school districts propose a school closure every month and the school year does not end without another round of teacher lay-offs and education budget cuts. It can look like corporate-driven education reforms come at you from all sides on every level at all times. As a grassroots, unpaid, parent-led organization, it can feel downright overwhelming.
CoalitionSAUS has worked hard all year. We held a candidates forum for the State Board of Education. We conducted multiple town hall meetings with Austin School Board Trustees. We conducted outreach with the Austin Council of PTA’s and staffed