Wishing you a safe school year

As the school year begins, the top priority of school district governing boards is the health and well-being of students and staff. Both state laws and recommendations from health authorities related to masking, vaccines and school closures are in play and quickly evolving and changing for school district communities.
We know school districts are responding in the best interest of their students, families and staff. Keep up on the latest official developments by following AZEdNews.com.
Students share experiences with equity, diversity and inclusion at Aug. 12 Black Alliance Meeting

Join the Black Alliance on Zoom on Thursday, Aug. 12, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. as we welcome a panel of Arizona students who will share their experiences with equity, diversity and inclusion and talk about the impact of those experiences on their success.
We will also be announcing the rollout of a very special student award for Spring 2022, named for two legendary Arizonans who championed service to community, public education and civil rights. Don’t miss it!
All Black Alliance members will receive the link. If you are not a member and would like to attend, please complete this registration form by noon on Aug. 12 to receive the link.
If you would like to join the Black Alliance, click here.
Who’s made outstanding contributions statewide? Nominate them for the Robey Lifetime Achievement Award

The prestigious Barbara Robey ASBA Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an Arizonan who has made outstanding contributions statewide over an extended period of time as a champion for public education and in alignment with ASBA’s mission.
Nominations are now open and close Aug. 30, 2021, at 5 p.m.
The Barbara Robey ASBA Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented on Dec. 17, 2021 at the ASBA-ASA Annual Conference, which is held at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix. The recipient, nominee and their guests will be invited.
A video honoring the recipient will be produced by ASBA staff. It will be shown during the award presentation and shared via ASBA communication platforms and with the media.
Past recipients include Tim Carter, Mike Hughes, Governor Jane Dee Hull, Eddie Basha Jr. plus others who have contributed statewide to public schools.
Selection Criteria
Each nominee is evaluated, first and foremost, on the impact of his or her service to public education throughout Arizona. The outstanding service performed must have significantly benefitted the students and staff of school districts throughout the state over time. Servant leadership is highly valued, and the nominee’s public image and character will be of paramount consideration, as well.
Nominations will be accepted from individuals representing any area of Arizona education including, but not limited to, board members, administrators, teachers, volunteers, support staff, staff of education nonprofits, and elected and appointed office holders. Nominations must be submitted on the official entry form and received by the deadline. (Nominations not selected do not rollover for consideration from year to year.)
Learn more here. Please contact Kristi Sisk in the office of the executive director at ksisk@azsba.org or 602-254-1100.
Meet the ASBAIT Board of Directors

The ASBAIT Board is governed and made up of governing board members, superintendents and business managers from member districts just like you across the state. We thank these members for their volunteered services.
The board meets four to six times per year to conduct the business of the Trust. Their major responsibilities include approving renewal procedures, overall budget, contractors, and independent audit and actuarial reports. The board may also hear and make decisions on appeals or exceptions for claim payments to member employees or dependents.
Currently the ASBAIT Board of Directors are:
Chair, Sonni Marbury, Mohave Community College, Mohave County
Vice Chair, Karla Soto, Roosevelt ESD, Maricopa County
Secretary, Wendy Qualls, Litchfield ESD, Maricopa County
Barbara Underwood, Payson USD, Gila County
Mark Aguire, Liberty ESD, Maricopa County
Kevin England, Solomon ESD, Graham County
Robert Devere, Tombstone USD, Cochise County
Crystle Nehrmeyer, Oracle ESD, Pinal County
Dee Puff, Palominas ESD, Cochise County
Linda Yazzie, Holbrook USD, Navajo County
Desiree Fowler, Page USD, Coconino County
Dr. Sheila Harrison-Williams, ASBA Executive Director (Permanent Non-Voting)
ASBAIT was set up and operates by an “Agreement and Declaration of Trust” in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, including, without limitation, Arizona Revised Statutes Section 15-382 as it may be amended from time to time. Learn more about ASBAIT.
New policy advisories available

Policy Advisories 680-711 are now available by clicking here. Policy Advisories are derived from enactments of the 55th Legislature, First Regular Session, 2021. These are indicated by references to the bills and/or statutes which have either been newly created or altered by the Legislature. Several other policy advisories are those which have been revised for clarity by Policy Services.
As laws change and new opinions are issued by the courts and legal officers, ASBA Policy Services subscribers receive policy model revisions so compliance may be maintained. To request access, policy service subscribers may contact Renae Watson, policy services technician, at rwatson@azsba.org or 602.254.1100.
AZEdNews Highlights: Students head back for first day of school as COVID cases surge

Excitement about the first day of school this year is tempered with concern as COVID-19 cases surge in Arizona. On the first day of school Monday, Saguaro Elementary Principal Celie Downey-Foye welcomed students with enthusiasm…read more
Every ASBA member district has an equal vote at the Delegate Assembly, Sept. 11
The ASBA Delegate Assembly will take place on Saturday, September 11. Registration closes August 27.
Representatives of ASBA member boards convene to decide the association’s political position on the diverse interests of public school governing boards for the year ahead.
At the Delegate Assembly, every ASBA member district has an equal vote and an equal voice in developing the ASBA Political Agenda for the year ahead. This critical document determines the association’s positions on legislation and informs all our advocacy efforts in four core areas:
- Adequately and equitably funding district schools to at least the national median per pupil funding
- Preserving and strengthening local control
- Improving outcomes for all students
- Requiring public accountability for taxpayer dollars spent on education
The registration fee for members is $60 and non-members is $120. Event registration is required. Registration closes August 27.
If you would like to attend this event as an observer and are not the district’s delegate or alternate, please contact Katie Link to register at klink@azsba.org or call 602-254-1100.

Meet ASBA’s Maricopa Co-County Director, Brian Garcia

ASAP Webinar: Partnering with ASBA to prepare for the 2021-22 school year

ASBA is calling all superintendent and governing board administrative professionals to register for this free webinar, Thursday, August 12, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This webinar will provide superintendent and governing board administrative professionals with important ASBA information and updates which include the new database, bylaw change and voting, political agenda and Delegate Assembly process, awards and recognition for ASAP members plus important dates and action items for the 2021-22 school year. This is a great opportunity for all ASAP members, new and seasoned, plus a special announcement of the one-day ASAP virtual conference coming up September 24.
This webinar will be recorded and can be viewed at a later time. Please register for the event and the recording will be automatically emailed to you the next day within 24 hours.
Save $1,000 on BoardDocs – Offer Extended!

ASBA is calling all superintendent and governing board administrative professionals to register for this free webinar, Thursday, August 12, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
This webinar will provide superintendent and governing board administrative professionals with important ASBA information and updates which include the new database, bylaw change and voting, political agenda and Delegate Assembly process, awards and recognition for ASAP members plus important dates and action items for the 2021-22 school year. This is a great opportunity for all ASAP members, new and seasoned, plus a special announcement of the one-day ASAP virtual conference coming up September 24.
This webinar will be recorded and can be viewed at a later time. Please register for the event and the recording will be automatically emailed to you the next day within 24 hours.
AZEDNews Featured Articles

LSchool districts respond to Gov’s office criticism for following public health COVID-19 recommendations

Daily schools update: Teens struggle with mental health as school starts
