The ASBSD Board of Directors took another step toward updating the organization’s dues structure at their March board meeting, approving a new formula to calculate the amount each district pays to be a member of the state school board association.

The decision marks the first board action taken in response to the formal dues review initiated by board members last Spring. Board members will make final dues decisions in May, when directors review a proposed FY 10 budget.

The new formula, a three-part calculation based on school district expenditures, replaces a four-step process that hinges on district enrollment and the per-student allocation.

ASBSD Chief Financial Officer Bill Lynch said the new structure better resembles how other state school board associations operate.

“Nearly every other state association works off an expenditure-based model,” Lynch said. “The move puts us in-line with standard practice.”

The new formula establishes a base membership rate of $750 per-district, a figure board members felt was a reasonable starting point for association membership given the recent expansion of member services.

Board members initially ordered the dues review after approving $80,000 in reserves to balance the current year’s budget. ASBSD has compiled a host of dues-related information, which was presented to the membership at the region meetings held last fall and again at November’s Delegate Assembly.

Directors said members have reacted positively to a possible ASBSD dues increase, but board members renewed earlier calls for cost-savings and efficiency.

Neil Putnam, a board member from Mitchell, said he wants to ensure members that the organization reviewed the budget line-by-line, especially if a dues increase goes forward.