Resources — Moms for Libros

Attending School Board Meetings

Most battles over books are being fought at the local level at school board meetings. That makes attending one of the most critical actions you can take to fend off book bans. Make sure local officials know you support access to books of all kinds by attending, listening, and speaking out against censorship.

Government and board websites often post calendars and agendas for upcoming meetings, and some also livestream them. Even if book bans or collection policies aren't on the agenda, many boards and councils allow comments on issues of concern from any community member.

Our partners at PFLAG have created a helpful guide for speaking at library and school board meetings. The below has been adapted from their Plan to Testify at Local Board Meetings guide.

Things You Need to Know

Before you head to a school board meeting, you'll need to know the following:

  1. When and where will the meeting take place?
  2. The policy around public comments:
    • Where do public comments fall in the agenda?
    • How long do you have to speak during public comments?
    • Do you have to register ahead of time to make a public comment?
    • Are there any rules for the contents of comments?
  3. Is there a dress code or a code of conduct attendees are expected to follow?

Important Things to Consider

Safety in numbers: Gather supporters and encourage them to attend the meeting together.
Prepare your remarks ahead of time so you know what you're going to say. Practice out loud and edit for time.

Be Informed

Understand what is on the agenda. Most school board districts publicize their agenda — Google your district's school board website and find the latest agenda. Some school boards, including Miami-Dade, publicize their agenda 9 days prior to the general meeting.

If a book is being challenged, finding out why is critical to speaking in its defense. As you make a plan to attend and speak at the meeting:

  • Read the book that is being challenged.
  • Understand what specifically about the book is making it a target for restriction or removal.
  • Research other instances where the book has been challenged in other communities and the outcomes of those challenges.

At the Meeting

  • 1
    Introduce yourself. Mention that you are a constituent and any ties to your community — whether you have children in public schools, work in education, or are simply a community member who cares.
  • 2
    Introduce and discuss the issue. Raise the topic you are there to discuss — book ban, library policy, library program, etc.
  • 3
    Make it personal. Why does it matter to you? Does this issue affect your child? Yourself? Your community? Relate what you are asking for to a personal experience and a local need. Use your emotion to your benefit.
  • 4
    Make the ask. Ask for the board to reject any proposed censorship and uphold the First Amendment.
  • 5
    Thank them. Thank the board or officials for listening to and considering your comments.
⚠️ Important: If there are extremists at the meeting, do not confront them. Don't get combative. Let them be the ones who interrupt and make fools of themselves — they will be removed from the meeting for misbehavior.

Specific to Miami-Dade (MDCPS)

Time Limits

You will have 2 minutes to speak on an agenda item, and 3 minutes during the public hearing. Practice your remarks and edit for conciseness — every second counts.

Know Your Representative

Mention which School Board member represents your district when you speak — it personalizes your comment. Find your representative here.

Be Balanced

Don't always be negative or defensive. Try to also acknowledge things school board members have done that are positive — it builds credibility and makes you harder to dismiss.

Getting There

The School Board meeting takes place at:
1450 NE Second Avenue, School Board Auditorium, Miami, FL 33132

Parking

Street parking and an adjacent parking lot on 2nd Avenue between NE 13th and NE 14th Street.

Public Transit

Take the People Mover from Government Center Metrorail Station. Board the Omni Loop — it takes you directly to the MDCPS building at the end of the line.

Arrival Times

By 1:00 pm To speak on an agenda item
By 4:00 pm For the Public Hearing

Speaker Registration Form

Anyone wishing to speak on an agenda item or during the Public Hearing must submit the Speaker Registration Form. You have two options:

  • Drop it off in person at 1450 NE Second Avenue, Room 102, Miami, FL 33132
  • Submit via email to [email protected]
Deadline: 4:30 pm the Monday before the meeting. You can fill out the form on-site, but there is no guarantee you will be allowed to speak if you do not submit in advance.

Be Ready for the Next Meeting

Consistently showing up is key. We list all upcoming meetings on our events page — sign up and let us know you're coming.

Show Your Support

Let the School Board know you're with Moms for Libros! Purchase one of our T-shirts to show your support and help keep our organization going. All proceeds go to maintaining our website and our work to keep books on shelves, public schools funded, and children's education freedoms protected in Florida.

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