New Berlin board votes not to renew WASB membership, cites alternative supports
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Summary
After discussing alternatives and available legal and policy supports, the New Berlin School District board recorded its opposition and decided not to renew its Wisconsin Association of School Boards membership at this meeting.
The New Berlin School District Board decided not to renew its membership in the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB), citing the emergence of an alternative organization and other support options.
Board members discussed the new group, Wisconsin School Leaders for Excellence (also referenced as the renamed School Boards for Academic Excellence), which is currently providing some support services at no cost while it organizes. Board members noted they also receive legal and policy support through other channels (Neola, the district’s legal counsel, and the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty referenced by a board member), and that individual board development needs have been handled locally.
A motion to approve renewal of WASB membership was made and seconded, but multiple board members objected and the chair recorded the board’s opposition: “May the record reflect all our opposed. We will not be renewing the WASB.” The transcript does not record a roll-call tally; the chair described the outcome as opposed and membership not renewed. Board members discussed that the district can re-evaluate membership options later.
The decision is administrative: no specific funds, dues amounts, or contract language were disclosed during the meeting. The board said it will monitor availability of services and can rejoin WASB if the district later determines it is necessary.
