Muskego‑Norway board approves one‑year WASB membership renewal after extensive debate
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Summary
The board voted to renew membership in the Wisconsin Association of School Boards for another year while members requested WASB leadership engage on concerns about lobbying, representation and services; board members said they will re-evaluate before next renewal.
The Muskego‑Norway School Board voted to approve renewal of its Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) membership for another year after an extended discussion that included concerns about WASB’s lobbying positions and how member districts are represented.
A motion to approve the WASB contract as presented carried on a voice vote. Board members asked staff to request specific engagement from WASB leadership—requests that included sending association representatives who can address the district’s concerns and provide an action plan on how WASB will represent more diverse member viewpoints.
Board members supporting renewal cited WASB benefits such as discounted access to legal consultation, training, conferences and up‑to‑date legislative briefings. Members opposing or urging caution noted a pattern of other Waukesha County districts leaving WASB and questioned whether the association’s lobbying aligns with the district’s views.
Julie (staff member) said she would review contract language and noted membership functions like legal consults are part of what the association provides. Several board members said renewal should be treated as a one‑year bridge while staff pursue alternatives and request a formal response from WASB; staff noted the WASB membership renewal is due at the end of the month.
No formal amendment to the contract was adopted at the meeting; the board recorded the vote to renew and directed staff to begin outreach to WASB and to research alternatives and the potential fiscal and service impacts of withdrawal.