Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Governance Association Membership topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board votes not to renew Arizona School Board Association membership; trustees split on training value
Summary
The Gilbert Public Schools governing board voted to discontinue its membership with the Arizona School Board Association after trustees split on ASBA’s training and advocacy value and the district’s fiscal priorities.
The Gilbert Public Schools governing board voted on June 10 not to renew its membership in the Arizona School Board Association after a contentious discussion about training value, cost and governance.
Board member Mr. Thompson (maker of the motion) proposed that the district discontinue ASBA membership, arguing the district no longer relies on ASBA for policy development and that training can be obtained by individual board members as needed. He said ASBA had become politicized and that membership funds could be reprioritized.
Counterarguments and request for more information
Several trustees strongly disagreed. Trustee Jill Humphreys reviewed multiple ASBA training benefits she had used over the years — superintendent search guidance, legal updates, trustee professional development and networking with board members from other districts — and urged caution before ending membership. Humphreys offered a substitute motion to table the decision and request an ASBA presentation; that procedural motion to table failed on a voice vote. After further discussion, the board proceeded to vote on the original motion.
Outcome and next steps
The motion to not renew ASBA membership passed. Staff indicated the district’s current ASBA dues are about $14,930 annually and that conference attendance costs for non‑members would be higher for trustees who wished to attend individual ASBA events. Trustees who voted against renewal said they favored keeping membership for training access; trustees who voted for non‑renewal emphasized fiscal stewardship and alternative training options.
Ending: The decision takes effect as the district completes its current ASBA membership period; board members asked staff to report logistical details about membership termination and any immediate training alternatives for trustees.
