Local School Councils

Formed 30 years ago, Local School Councils (LSCs) are one of the most hyperlocal democratic levers in the country. LSCs are the elected body that most closely represents the racial and economic demographics of this city. LSCs were created on the belief that people whose children attend the schools and those who live in the neighborhood should have a say in what goes on in their schools. They have become a pipeline for community leadership; numerous LSCs have successfully fought for what they deserve. LSCs are essential instruments of our democracy.

Yet there has also been systematic disinvestment in LSCs over the past 30 years. This disinvestment has led to drastic parent disengagement. Over 18% of LSCs now have 50% or fewer parent representatives. Many LSCs are not fully empowered. Raise Your Hand is working to fully empower LSCs and to organize parents to participate in local democratic governance.