Combs board weighs ASBA membership against trust policies, schedules vendor presentations and outlines bond committee timeline

Board staff outlined key differences between two policy-service options being considered by the J O Combs Unified School District: the Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA) package and a trust-based policy service tied to prepaid legal coverage.

Staff explained the two options follow state statute closely and said the policy text would be largely the same, but ASBA provides more board-member trainings and includes more regulations and exhibits; the trust is less expensive up-front but may require additional paid legal work to draft or adapt regulations and exhibits. Staff cited approximate pricing discussed at the meeting — roughly $4,968–$5,000 for an ASBA package versus a base figure near $500–$600 for the trust — but cautioned that final costs depend on services used and potential attorney review.

Board members expressed concerns about training quality, coverage of regulations, and possible political or ideological perceptions; they requested more information. Staff proposed a tentative special meeting on Feb. 26 to invite representatives from both ASBA and the trust to present and to answer board questions. The board agreed this review warranted a dedicated session or study meeting before any procurement decision.

Separately, staff described the process for a potential capital bond. The district has formed a bond committee of roughly 40–45 community members that will meet multiple times through March; Stifel presented initial material, political consultants will be interviewed in February, and a community survey is planned for March. The committee is expected to present recommendations to the board in April, with any decision about calling an election to follow in May or June.

Staff will finalize a date and agenda for the Feb. 26 special meeting and invite the two policy-service providers to present.