Board debates continued membership in SWSA as fees rise; members cite duplication with WASB

The board discussed whether to continue its membership in the Southwestern Wisconsin School Administrators (SWSA) organization after SWSA notified members of a fee increase.

Staff said the SWSA board was considering a membership fee increase to about $3,700, roughly $500 above the current fee, and the district had not yet received a final agreement. The board added the item to the agenda for discussion and planned to decide in June once SWSA provides final terms.

Several board members said they value legislative advocacy but questioned whether SWSA’s work duplicates services provided by the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) and other networks the district already uses. One member said in her limited experience SWSA work seemed duplicative of WASB priorities and questioned the unique value of a separate Southern Wisconsin carve-out. Another member noted the modest fee but expressed concern about the group’s sustainability after recent district departures.

No final decision was made at the meeting; staff said they will return with a recommendation once SWSA finalizes its agreement.