AASA Governing Board Update

The Governing Board met on March 5th, ahead of the AASA Conference in New Orleans, and discussed the following items. 

Legislative Agenda Discussion:

• The Department of Education can not be unilaterally eliminated without an act of Congress.
  • Private schools rely on public schools for services related to IDEA/Title I. Would these monies be turned over to the state to choose how to distribute?
• Immigration: Support access for all children regardless of immigration status
  • Parental authority–ensure that children have a place to go after school.
  • Trust that districts work collaboratively with law enforcement. Respect that law enforcement is doing what they need to do.
  • We deal with these types of issues on a regular basis aside from immigration. We do our best to provide children with whatever they need.
  • Therefore, we are concerned about what group will be targeted next.
    • Some districts are struggling with attendance issues with marginalized groups. The current legislation is making this situation worse.
    • We need language that protects children.
    • We also need to be aware that alienating others may prohibit us from getting the work done.
• *Noelle can provide talking points to superintendents if needed.

We discussed Section 300 Learning Environments section of the AASA By-laws and approved the suggested changes that were suggested by the Executive Board with the exception of a change that was suggested for amendment and passed below.

1. Technology–is it really the abuse of technology vs technology itself?
2. Recognize the importance and risk
3. Propose a change in the language (below)

AASA recognizes the importance and risks of technology and the use/misuse it plays in the education of our nation’s youth. We strongly endorse federal, state and local efforts to guarantee funding for the support, maintenance and upgrading of technology which will provide all students universal access to the technological tools which will ensure state-of-the-art global connectivity and fully integrate technology into the instructional program. One part of this effort should include the expansion of E-rate to support increased connectivity.

Membership Dues – no increase for the next year was passed unanimously. The voting was based on the following items. 

1. Would prefer smaller annual increases vs a large increase after years of no increase
2. Rationale was current economy and ESSER money being no longer available
3. AASA has historical data on the economy’s effect on membership and conference attendance
4. AASA currently has a healthy fund balance.
5. However, they are re-evaluating how they use sponsors.
   • How do they more effectively use the vendors, sponsorships, and funds?
   • How long can this be sustained when costs keep rising?
   • Benefits include legal services

Region 3 will have an Executive Board position open at the conclusion of the year. Deron Stender from Creston, IA, has been in the current position and can run again. He received endorsements from two of the current Region 3 Governing Board members.

That being said, this position is open to any AASA members from Region 3 that may be interested. Region 3 encompasses Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

On a personal note, it has been my honor and privilege to serve our members of MASA as an AASA Governing Board Member for the past three years.

Jeff Elstad
 AASA Governing Board Member

Find your governing board member information here: www.mnasa.org/mn-aasa-governing-board.