U-46 board votes to stay part of state association

Amid some concerns, Elgin schools officials agreed Monday to continue the district's membership in the Illinois Association of School Boards, saying the benefits outweigh the expense.

The Elgin Area School District U-46 school board voted 4-3 to spend $41,039 toward the membership for the 2016-17 school year.

U-46 Chief Executive Officer Tony Sanders said among the benefits of membership in the association is the help district administrators get with the annual review of board policies and remaining current with state law.

The organization also provides legislative updates on hundreds of proposed bills that could affect school districts, which the administration is not in a position to review itself, he said.

Board members offered a number of reasons for either leaving or staying with the association.

Jeanette Ward said she voted "no" because she doesn't agree with IASB's support of full-day kindergarten and expanding preschool. She also took issue with the association not refunding fees for a conference that she could not attend but paid for.

Sue Kerr said though individual members may not support all of the association's policies, there is a lot to gain "by networking with other districts."

Phil Costello, who also voted against membership, called the organization a "monopoly" that perpetuates developing larger school systems. He suggested the district find ways to create efficiencies.

"It is important to understand that there is a trade-off," Costello said. "We have to find a way to develop our own resourcefulness. I would rather spend the next dollar on a child than on IASB."

Board President Donna Smith cautioned board members that the district might have to hire someone to write board policy and review legislative actions if membership was dropped.

Being part of the association still has value even if school board members don't agree with the organization's positions, Veronica Noland said.

"They represents all school districts in the state," she said. "I don't think we want to go that route of putting our own people or hiring new people. We're going to spend a lot more money and spend a lot of time."