Last fall's ASBSD Region Meetings earned positive evaluations and board member attendance increased by 72 percent.

By most statistical measures, ASBSD Executive Director Wayne Lueders should feel comfortable with the progression of the annual membership meetings.

But he doesn't.

Hoping to spur more member participation and determined to cement a positive reputation for the events, ASBSD is going back to the drawing board.

"We'll be focusing much more on what our members want out of these meetings," Lueders said.

The agenda hasn't been set yet because Lueders says he wants to take the time to solicit ideas and recommendations from members.

A final agenda will be published in mid-August, about six weeks before the first meeting, scheduled for September 28 in Parkston.

Like past years, the night's program will include some time spent on developing ASBSD's legislative platform.

"We'll likely devote less time to legislative issues this year," Lueders said. "But, we'll discuss ASBSD's resolutions and standing positions."

The event will also feature an open forum to allow members to ask questions or make comments about ASBSD services.

In addition to revising the agenda, Lueders is looking to make the meetings more interactive.

"It's clear we have to move away from the stand-and-deliver approach," he said.