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Trustees approve attendance at Advocacy & Equity Institute after debate over cost and representation
Summary
The board authorized up to $2,500 per trustee for three trustees to attend the NBA’s Advocacy & Equity Institute in Washington, D.C., Feb. 2–4, 2025. Trustees debated the expense, fundraising trade‑offs and the need for district representation when advocating for special education funding.
The Dearborn Heights School District #7 Board of Education on Nov. 20 approved travel for three trustees to attend the NBA’s Advocacy & Equity Institute in Washington, D.C., Feb. 2–4, 2025, at a district cost not to exceed $2,500 per attendee.
Trustees Leslie Winless, Tanya Serini and Elise Stanovic were named in the proposed attendance. The board packet noted that Wayne County Board (WCB) offered to offset registration fees up to $695 per attendee. Trustee Winless and supporters argued that the district has been under‑represented at national advocacy events and that in‑room advocacy can help secure funding for special education and other needs. Opponents cautioned about out‑of‑state travel costs and whether funds should instead be reserved for student needs, noting a $7,500 gross cost for three attendees minus offsetting scholarships.
Proponents said the specific institute focuses on advocacy and equity, that national associations recommended sending board members and the superintendent (and possibly parents), and that attendance can lead to better access to funding. After discussion, the motion to approve attendance and district payment not exceeding $2,500 per board member was moved by Trustee Gator, seconded by Trustee Winless, and carried by roll call.
The board did not adopt a new policy on travel; trustees asked for attention to fund availability and requested clearer budgeting for out‑of‑state travel going forward.
