Dear ASBA Members,
Recently, we asked state and national organizations to stand with ASBA and school board members who have experienced an unprecedented level of harassment and threatening behavior, both online and in person. Organized disturbances at board meetings and failure by some members of the public to abide by these rules have led to meetings being canceled or abruptly adjourned because of safety concerns for the board, staff and attendees. Increased police presence has been required in some instances.
While it is understandable that emotions can run high when our children are involved, the type of behavior we have seen in recent weeks is a poor example to our students and cannot continue.
We want to publicly thank the following organizations that shared the “We Stand With School Boards” graphic and sent a message to their members supporting our board member colleagues across the state.
The organizations include:
Arizona Association of School Business Officials
Arizona Business and Education Coalition
Arizona Education Association
Arizona Educational Foundation
Arizona School Administrators
Expect More Arizona
National School Boards Association
Save our Schools Arizona
Stand for Children
We thank the elected leaders and the above state and national organizations who have called for an end to these types of behavior. You acted and for that, we are extremely grateful and appreciative you continue to support school board members.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sheila Harrison-Williams,
ASBA Executive Director
