Parents for Public Schools (PPS) was founded over 30 years ago by a group of parents and community members in Jackson, Mississippi, who were concerned about maintaining quality education in their local public schools. Since then, PPS has grown into a nationwide organization working to advance the role of families and communities in securing a high-quality public education for every child.
With chapters and partners from coast to coast, we have the incredible privilege of hearing from people across the country every day. These days, we are hearing a great deal of concern about recent attacks on public education and what may happen in the months and years ahead. We share these concerns, but our experience has also taught us to be steadfast. We have spent decades helping people understand how to navigate, advocate for, and strengthen the public school system, and we believe our work is more important than ever. So today, we share our priorities for 2025 and how you can help:
School Funding
We believe schools should have the resources they need to support all students, and we oppose any effort to divert public funding to private schools. This year, Congress may consider a national private school voucher program that could shift billions of dollars each year from public schools to private schools. Click here to urge your representatives to use public funds for public schools! Be aware that many states are proposing universal vouchers, and that they are already available in some states. Be on the alert to push back against such proposals where you live.
Education Equity
We believe schools should be safe and welcoming for everyone, and we oppose any effort to discriminate against students or families. It is especially important at this time to ensure the safety and protection of our most vulnerable students, including immigrants and students with disabilities, so that they may continue to receive the education all children deserve. We also support the accurate and objective teaching of our nation’s history, and we oppose any effort to omit key facts. If a student, family, or teacher’s civil rights are violated, you can reach out to the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR). Click here to watch a recent webinar from Education Law Center about what OCR does and how you can help ensure OCR continues to live up to its mission.
Authentic Parent and Community Engagement
We believe that parents and community members should be active participants in our public schools, and we oppose any effort to silence or ignore the public. Our focus is on collaboration, and we see families, community members, and schools as partners in the education of our children. PPS’s Parent Engagement Program gives families the knowledge and skills needed to become leaders and effective advocates for public schools. If you are interested in partnering with us or supporting our work, please click here to get in touch.
We know there are challenges ahead, but we also know that when parents and community members work together with schools and policymakers, we can ensure that all of America’s children receive a high-quality education. So, whether you volunteer at your local public school, speak up during public comment at a school board meeting, organize people in your community, or contact your legislators, we encourage you to get involved, and we are excited to have you stand with us.