245 - Hosting Legislators at Your School

Summary:Matt George and Mark Zockoll talk about why Christian schools should invite legislators onto campus early in the school year. They focus on a recent visit from Maryland State Senator Mary Beth Carozza to Faith Baptist School, why that relationship matters, and how these visits can shape future policy conversations. The episode is part practical strategy, part advocacy, and part encouragement to build real relationships with lawmakers before a crisis hits. It also closes with a Christian Administrator Spotlight on Todd Falk of Fishers Christian Academy in Indiana.Timestamps:00:00 - Opening the case for inviting legislators to campus00:58 - Why the school wanted a legislator visit in the first place01:38 - Senator Mary Beth Carozza comes to Faith Baptist School03:09 - Maryland Christian education and the pressure of recent legislation04:33 - Why the goal is to shape lawmakers before votes happen05:59 - Why bringing a legislator in early in the year matters07:01 - Helping students see governance as real and local08:56 - Legislators enter session with school issues already in mind09:55 - Coalition building instead of tribal thinking10:21 - The school is at its freshest in the first month11:20 - Prayer, pledges, and the tone of the visit13:54 - Matt’s decision to keep the school’s opening distinct15:22 - Why praying with a legislator matters16:21 - Relationship makes the invitation easier to extend17:46 - Pastors, schools, and intentional prayer with legislators18:31 - Start with one visit and do it respectfully19:58 - Why even an opposing legislator benefits from seeing the school21:24 - A legislator only needs a short window, not a full day22:20 - What the public often misunderstands about Christian schools24:14 - How a visit helps correct false assumptions26:09 - Facilities, growth, and the practical realities schools face27:07 - Going to Annapolis to defend freedom and education28:32 - The gospel opportunity in public witness28:33 - The direct call: get legislators into your building29:50 - How to prepare for a legislator visit30:45 - Start local if you need to build the connection31:33 - Christian Administrator Spotlight: Todd Falk32:01 - Prayer for Fisher's Christian Academy and its leadership33:28 - Closing blessing and sign-offFollow UsYouTube: Christian Principals Podcast Instagram: @cprincipalspod Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com X: @CPrincipalsPod LinkedIn: Christian Principals PodcastExplore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today!Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!