What We Do

Vision

We envision a place where public policy decisions are inclusive, transparent, and community-aligned; where all children, regardless of race or economic status, are given equal access to excellent education; where schools serve students in environments that affirm their self-concepts, draw on the strengths of local culture, and engage their family units fully and respectfully.

What We Do

Orleans Public Education Network (OPEN) equips and inspires the people to support public schools students through public policy training, advocacy, civic action and partnership building. 

We support students by enhancing the capacity of their families and educators in their lives — so when they go to the ballot box, the city council or school board meeting, they have the skills and information to effectively go to advocate for their children, and ensure systems are accountable, transparent and represent community priorities in public school matters.

OPEN’s work includes producing accessible self-advocacy and civic education programs, gathering and unpacking high-quality data, and working with students, parents, community, and school systems to adopt policy that reflects community priorities. The work’s ultimate goal is an education system that brings people, data, and lived experience into policy and practice.