They are calling it Texit. No—we are not seceding from the United States. We tried that once and it did not turn out well. But the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) has withdrawn from the National School Boards Association (NSBA). It’s not just a Texas thing. Reports are that Texas is just one of 25 states that have dropped out of the national organization.
Much of this was driven by reaction to the now infamous letter NSBA sent to the Biden Administration asking for help in dealing with disruptions of school board meetings. There has been a lot of disruption at school board meetings, much of it occurring in Texas, but the language of the letter was deemed by many to be over the top, including its reference to The Patriot Act, Homeland Security and “domestic terrorism.” NSBA withdrew the letter, apologized for its tone and ordered up an independent review. But it was all too late. Moreover, that independent review found governance and accountability problems within the organization.
TASB’s governing board voted to withdraw. This is a big blow to NSBA. Texas has been a major player with NSBA in every sense of the word. Not only is Texas big, it has been deeply involved in the leadership of both NSBA and the national Council of School Attorneys. I was proud to serve on the COSA board for several years. I benefited from association with NSBA staff and the lawyers around the country who represent school districts. On a personal level I am sad to see this day come.
But we carry on. There is a new organization forming: the Consortium of State School Boards Associations (www.cossba.org). As of May 26th, the new organization reports that 22 states have joined: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wyoming. Will Texas opt in? We shall see.
Just one more interesting tidbit to report today. While googling “NSBA” I discovered The National Snaffle Bit Association. Did not know there was such a thing….did you? Still don’t know what a “snaffle bit” is.
DAWG BONE: SNAFFLE BITS GO WELL WITH FRESCA I HEAR.
Got a question or comment for the Dawg? Let me hear from you at jwalsh@wabsa.com.
Tomorrow: can I identify you by your handwriting?