Board approves FY2027 sole-source determinations but excludes ASBA pending fee and benefits clarification

The Liberty Elementary District governing board voted June 22 to approve fiscal-year 2027 sole-source determinations while removing the Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA) from the list pending further information about membership fees and whether ASBA membership is required to secure health-benefit discounts.

Member Kenyon asked that ASBA be pulled from the proposed list and said removing it could save the district an estimated $20,000. District staff said a requisition is prepared for ASBA for $13,787 but that payment had not been made. Staff also said a Diligent Community invoice for $10,100 exists for certain services if the district proceeds without ASBA; there was disagreement and uncertainty in the discussion about whether the trust would secure the same discount for members.

Mindy Cammarota, district staff, told the board she would forward the email and invoice details that had been sent to a previous interim superintendent and said staff needed to confirm the breakdown of costs and any embedded policy services. A board member noted possible impacts on insurance pools if ASBA loses members and asked staff to confirm whether the trust had secured any discounts.

After discussion, Member Kenyon moved to approve the FY2027 sole-source determinations with the exception of ASBA; the motion passed 5-0. The board directed staff to obtain a detailed breakdown of the ASBA invoice, confirm whether trust membership secures comparable discounts for health benefits, and return the item to the board if additional action is needed.

The vote was unanimous, 5-0, with Kenyon making the motion and a second recorded in the proceedings.