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2024 KASB Vote: Constitutional Amendments

2024 Vote: Constitutional Amendments

 

The KASB Board of Directors is asking members to approve amendments to the KASB Constitution this fall. The vote will take place during Delegate Assembly on Saturday, Nov. 16, during KASB Convention. Each KASB member school district or other organization is asked to appoint a delegate to represent their board during Delegate Assembly. 

WHAT CHANGES ARE PROPOSED? 

The amendments proposed are a new process for vetting and nominating candidates for the President-Elect Designee position on the KASB Board of Directors, as well as general constitutional updates.

If approved through a vote of delegates on Nov. 16: 

  • The KASB Board of Directors will assume duties for selecting nominee(s) for the role of President-Elect Designee each year. As proposed, the Board will:
    • Accept applications from local board members serving in districts throughout the state
    • Evaluate candidates using a formal interview process
    • Share experiences and expectations for those elected to the KASB Board of Directors
    • Put forward one or more candidates each year for consideration and election at Delegate Assembly
  • The proposed amendment does not change who is eligible to serve as President-Elect Designee. Any locally-elected board member in a KASB member district may apply to be a candidate.
  • Voters at Delegate Assembly will consider only candidates nominated by the Board of Directors. Nominations from the floor for President-Elect will no longer be permitted at Delegate Assembly.  
  • Additional amendments propose updates to the Constitution to better reflect existing practices with regional meetings and KASB budget communication.  

WHY ARE CHANGES NEEDED? 

This change is intended to protect the integrity of KASB’s Board of Directors and the strength of the KASB organization.

Our goals: 

  • Address the declining number of volunteers available to fill the nominating committee seats required by the KASB Constitution.
  • Create a nominating process that leverages the governance experience and organizational knowledge of the KASB Board of Directors. 
  • Instill confidence that the KASB Board of Directors President-Elect Designee is a trustworthy custodian of KASB’s mission and core values. 
  • Promote transparent governance and elections with nominee vetting by the KASB Board of Directors. 
  • Reserve the President role for individuals who commit to putting KASB members’ needs and goals first, without exception. 
  • Prepare candidates for the expectations and responsibilities of serving as KASB President-Elect, President and Past President.
  • Update the constitutional language to align to existing general practices of the association.

"As KASB president, like those who have served before me, I've learned how humbling it is to lead on behalf of 2,000 Kansas school board members. The proposed amendment does not limit the people eligible to lead the Board of Directors. In fact, it creates a better opportunity for candidates to gain first-hand knowledge about the Board and be prepared for the demands of leading the Association." -TinaRae Scott, KASB President

TELL ME MORE ABOUT…

  • Decisions about KASB’s governance are decided by votes at the Delegate Assembly, which takes place during KASB Convention each year. Each active KASB member organization may appoint one delegate to cast votes representing their local board’s wishes during Delegate Assembly. Each year, the ballot typically includes nominee(s) for the position of President-Elect Designee and nominees for open regional vice president positions, as well as organizational changes proposed by the KASB Board of Directors as outlined in the KASB Constitution. Regional vice president positions are voted on only by the delegates from those regions. 

  • If approved, the KASB Board of Directors will select the nominee or nominees for consideration and election at Delegate Assembly using a formal questionnaire and interview process.  

  • Describing the purpose of KASB, the amended language in Article I, Section 2 states: 
    The purpose of the association is to provide board members and their leaders with the support, expertise, and resources they need to help every Kansas student succeed in school and in life. Association activities will seek to accomplish this purpose by creating a culture of collaboration and service; being a voice for public education; and developing leadership for student success. 

    Conducting regular regional meetings will not be mandatory. The amended language in Article III, Section 4 states: 
    There may be regional meetings, as needed, for the purpose of conducting the business of the region. 

    Under Article VII, Section 2, amended language about the KASB budget states: 
    The board of directors, prior to the expiration of the fiscal year, shall adopt a budget for the association for the next succeeding fiscal year. 

  • Current members of KASB may request a document comparing the current and proposed KASB Constitution language for each amendment by contacting Melissa Holder at 785-271-4504 or mholder@kasb.org.