How to Speak to your School Board

Your school board members are your representatives — they represent you. In Volusia County the School Board is divided into five different districts. You can find out who your school board member is by visiting this web page. All the School Board members are listed along with email contact information. If you don’t know which district is yours, click the Interactive District Map link on the site.

If you don’t receive an email back you can  go directly to a School Board meeting and speak during public comment.

Depending on the number of people at the meeting who want to speak, the Public Comment time can vary or be in two parts. It’s often best to arrive early and put in the request to speak right away, that way you are prioritized. 

Regular School Board meetings are open to the public and generally held the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 4:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the DeLand Administrative Complex, 200 N. Clara Ave., DeLand. You can find the agenda seven days before the meeting using this link: vcsedu.org/school-board/upcoming-school-board-meeting. 

Each speaker has three minutes.

Tips and tricks for making your moment count:

• Do your homework and be prepared.

• Know who is your School Board District representative.

• Research the School Board members and the District goals, so you can connect with them when you speak.

• Write a speech and include an actionable item. In other words, tell them what you want them to do.

• Practice your speech out loud before the meeting.

• When you speak, be respectful and professional.

• Make sure to introduce yourself. 

• Don’t go over your time limit.

• Try to tell a story.

• Conclude with an action. Eg: Vote no on agenda item 123.

Remember, when you participate in School Board meetings, you are not only talking to the School Board. You are talking to news organizations and the public. Make your voice heard!