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Board affirms ASBA membership after debate over leadership and lobbying value
Summary
After a lengthy discussion weighing ASBA leadership changes and the value of statehouse representation, the Tempe board voted to continue Arizona School Boards Association membership for 2026–27.
Board members debated whether to renew the district's Arizona School Boards Association membership, citing changes in leadership and recent controversy within ASBA alongside the practical benefits of statewide lobbying and networking.
Miss Ewers said recent ASBA staffing and leadership changes had raised concerns but that the current lobby presence was valuable: "We couldn't possibly put in our budget a lobbyist for our district... we couldn't possibly find somebody that we could pay even if we split it between 3 districts to go down there and represent us" and referenced improved service under current representation. Other members argued membership supports statewide coordination and peer learning. The board voted to approve membership for the 2026–27 year after discussion and a motion by Miss Ewers, seconded by Mr. Miller.
Board members said the district's net cost for membership is lower than last year (staff noted an overall reduced package price) and flagged continued oversight of ASBA governance and nonpartisan positioning as important going forward.
