Gathering in solidarity amid mounting political attacks on public education, delegates at AFSA’s 17th Triennial Constitutional Convention took decisive action to protect federal support for schools, demand greater investment in school leadership, and reaffirmed AFSA'a commitment to putting students first.
AFSA members sent a clear and united message: The U.S. Department of Education must not be dismantled, defunded, or diminished. In a unanimous vote, delegates passed a resolution demanding that Congress protect and fully fund the Department of Education and its essential programs. These programs are lifelines—for students with disabilities, low-income families, and the teachers and school leaders who rely on professional development to meet the evolving needs of their schools.
Delegates stressed that weakening the department would have devastating consequences for schools, especially in under-resourced communities. The resolution reaffirms AFSA’s role in standing up for public education at the national level and ensuring opportunity for all students remains central to educational policy.
In addition to defending federal education infrastructure, AFSA delegates addressed the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence in schools. Recognizing the dual potential of AI to support instruction or undermine educators, AFSA adopted a resolution calling for the responsible and ethical use of AI in public education. The resolution stresses the need for safeguards around student privacy, professional development for educators, and policies that ensure AI complements rather than replaces human interaction in schools.
Delegates also passed a resolution calling for the revival of K–12 civics education, warning that declining civic engagement and rising misinformation are weakening the foundation of democracy. The resolution calls for comprehensive civics curricula that emphasize government structure, media literacy, critical thinking, and the responsibilities of citizenship.
Additional resolutions passed at the convention include:
Prioritizing Mental Health for School Leaders -- Delegates recognized the growing stress and burnout among school administrators and passed a resolution making mental wellness a union priority. The policy calls for support protocols, district-wide collaboration, and practical tools to help school leaders manage escalating pressures, from school safety concerns to the demands of post-pandemic recovery.
Strengthening Protections for School Leaders -- With verbal and physical threats against administrators on the rise, AFSA adopted a resolution calling for legislation to make it a felony to assault school supervisors or their families. The resolution also calls for designating school leaders as a protected group under school safety laws and recommends establishing a National School Safety Task Force to develop comprehensive protection strategies.
Curbing Gun Violence in Schools -- AFSA took a strong position on gun violence, supporting a nationwide ban on semiautomatic weapons and high-capacity magazines, improved background checks, and a rejection of proposals to arm school staff. The resolution advocates for increased investment in mental health services, upgraded safety infrastructure, and policies that preserve schools as welcoming environments.
Expanding Inclusion and Accessibility -- AFSA delegates reaffirmed the union’s commitment to equitable, accessible schools and workplaces. A comprehensive resolution pledges to dismantle systemic barriers, oppose rollbacks of inclusion efforts, and expand training around accessibility and civil rights to ensure all students and staff can fully participate and thrive.
Protecting Retiree Health Care -- AFSA passed a resolution to defend affordable, comprehensive health care for retired school leaders. The union pledged to oppose benefit cuts, support national protections for retiree health care, and help members navigate the complexities of health systems with greater transparency.
Affirming Human Rights at Home and Abroad -- Delegates passed a wide-ranging resolution supporting refugee protections, immigration reform, and collective bargaining rights. The policy reinforces AFSA’s position that public schools must be safe, inclusive spaces and that all students have a right to a free, high-quality education—regardless of background or immigration status.
Expanding Organizing and Union Power -- In response to increased interest in union representation among school leaders, AFSA adopted a resolution to grow its organizing efforts nationwide. The union committed to supporting new and existing locals, building stronger partnerships with aligned organizations, and pushing for legislation that ensures all public employees have the right to unionize.
