MASB held its annual Delegate Assembly on Thursday, Nov 9, 2023, at the Lansing Center. Voting delegates from more than 205 districts in 25 counties attended, along with many other nonvoting members. This year saw another increase in the number of districts participating, a positive trend for your association.   

This annual event allows MASB members to consider, debate and adopt resolutions that affect public education and Michigan’s schools. As a member-driven organization, MASB delegates, selected by their school boards, have an important voice in shaping those resolutions and, therefore, the direction of the Association.

The evening started with addresses from Executive Director Don Wotruba, CAE, and MASB Past President Steve Hyer, as well as a short legislative update highlighting MASB’s legislative priorities and this year’s School Aid Budget. One bylaw change and amendments to three resolutions were put forward by the MASB Resolutions and Bylaws Committee.  

To start the debate on resolutions, A-4.10 Civil Rights was pulled from the consent agenda for consideration by the voting delegates. After debate by the delegates, the resolution was amended to update the statement about the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to reflect the recent addition of “sexual orientation and gender identity or expression” to the state law. The thought was that with the change in state law, which goes into effect in February, our resolution should follow. The amendment passed and the resolution was then adopted. 

The bylaw change and two of the amended resolutions were adopted as proposed by the Resolutions and Bylaws Committee. These changes are outlined in the 2023 Delegate Assembly Handbook. One resolution, A-5.30 Curriculum and Standards was further amended by the delegates. The Committee recommended adding language that stated “The MASB also urges school boards to involve parents and others in the community in making recommendations regarding the development of curriculum and selection of curricular materials. Parental input can help lead to decisions that better engage students”. It was felt the last sentence wasn’t necessary as the first called for parental involvement.  The amendment to strike the last sentence was passed by a majority vote and the resolution was adopted. 

The Delegate Assembly concluded with a resolution of appreciation to the Resolutions and Bylaws Committee and a chance to ask questions of the MASB Executive Director and President. Then all members were invited to the Welcome Reception and Grand Opening of the Exhibit Show for refreshments and a chance to talk with vendors.

Thank you to all who served on the 2022-2023 Resolutions and Bylaws Committee, proposed amendments, engaged in debate, served as voting delegates, supported those voting delegates, and attended the Assembly.

If you have ideas you would like incorporated into MASB’s resolutions and bylaws, please discuss them with your board as they can be submitted for consideration beginning in the new year, to be brought to the 2024 Delegate Assembly. As always, please feel free to contact us with any questions. Your Association is stronger with all your voices.