Letter from the Executive Director

by Dr. Tony Prothro

Difficult decisions and hard choices

We have just finished the 2021 legislative session, which has been recessed until the fall when lawmakers will take care of needed legislation in response to census data. As I reflect upon what I consider a successful session, I am cognizant of a particular aspect of the recent dialogue. We have all witnessed the polarization of our nation and communities within the political realm. While it is human nature to want to see things in black and white, we all know that much gray dominates the landscape, bringing varying degrees of discomfort for all those involved in the decision-making process. The resulting uneasiness should compel us to make better policies for our students.

Legislators on both ends of the spectrum are required to make hard choices concerning potential legislation and their positions on bills being filed. At times, the landscape can become confusing, and decisions can be very difficult to make. Legislators have told me at times that they really didn’t like a particular bill but voted for it as a compromise to keep more intrusive legislation from being passed. I can understand and appreciate this point of view. Legislators are called to do a difficult job to ascertain what is best for our schools and our state.

ASBA is also placed in difficult positions at times. We rely heavily on the opinions and stances of our membership in trying to decide whether to support or oppose legislation. We try to stay neutral when our membership is split on a particular policy or bill.

ASBA has had filters in place for a very long time that set the path for our position on potential legislation or policy issues. These filters are: 1. Is it good for children? 2. Does it help build an education ethic?

3. Is everyone held appropriately accountable?

These filters are utilized heavily when we look at the specifics of potential legislation. However, even with these filters, we encounter difficulty when there is uncertainty on the potential success of a bill being passed. At times compromises must be made for the benefit of our communities, school districts, and our students. Once made, only time will tell if the compromises were fruitful and beneficial.

The views of our membership are not a constant on matters of policy and governance. Board members’ opinions on specific topics evolve or change over the course of time as new circumstances surface. This is to be expected.

The Department of Education has advocated that districts “pivot” to meet the needs of a changing environment in the midst of the pandemic. Schools were placed in a position to quickly change instructional platforms in relation to the state of the pandemic in their schools. Schools have done an admirable job of this. This same “pivot” is required of policymakers, organizations, and individuals in the current political environment. As an opinion or stance reaches a majority in the Legislature, it is important to try to find a position that best meets the needs of our students and school districts.

I cannot speak for everyone, but for myself, I do much studying of any proposed legislation, engage with other knowledgeable individuals, and thoughtfully reflect and pray as I try to navigate and ascertain what is the best path for our students.

It is very important for school board members to continue conversations with local lawmakers about the impact of potential legislation on their school