The District 742 Board voted to renew membership in the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) and the Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD) for 2025–26.
Administration presented the MSBA renewal and related dues: the district’s MSBA membership dues for 2025–26 total $15,188 (a $363 increase from the prior year), plus $760 for MSBA policy services and a $2,950 annual subscription for Boardbook, the online agenda and minutes platform. Assistant Superintendent/Finance staff said administration recommended approval of both MSBA membership and policy services.
Board members asked for more itemization of MSBA spending. A trustee noted that MSBA publishes financial information and praised MSBA staff for increased responsiveness compared with the prior year; Superintendent Lori Putnam and other trustees thanked specific MSBA staff for outreach and assistance with state advocacy and finance issues.
Administration also described AMSD membership: AMSD represents metropolitan districts and advocates for policy priorities such as maintaining funding linked to inflation and opposing unfunded mandates. The board approved the AMSD renewal for $11,939, a $51 increase from the previous year. The administration recommended AMSD membership because AMSD represents metro and regional center districts with fiscal and policy concerns similar to District 742.
Why it matters: Both associations provide advocacy, policy guidance and training that district leaders and board members use during legislative sessions and for governance support; dues are recurring budget items.
Outcome: Both renewals were approved by roll‑call votes; board members asked administration to seek more detailed breakdowns of MSBA budget and services.