Annual Report

2010-2011

It will be remembered as an exasperating year for school leaders. The 2010–11 school year saw school districts struggle to implement both unprecedented budget cuts and dramatic new reforms. In these lean years, CASB is fighting extra hard for school boards. The highlights below reflect a sample of that work on behalf of members.

Download a PDF of the front page of our annual report, or read below.

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Focusing on the fiscal challenge

• Easing the impact on 2011–12 school funding cuts was job one for the CASB Advocacy Team. The Governor’s alarming recommendation to cut $332 million from K–12 education prompted CASB to assemble the education lobbyists and organize efforts to “cut the cut.” With CASB leading the way, $170 million was restored.
• CASB’s Annual Convention focused on student success despite difficult budget times. To improve achievement, participants learned fewer district priorities were better—more than six can hurt results. The new Ed Café sessions gave board members and school staff extended time to share challenges and explore strategies.
• Behind the scenes, we’re providing the Governor’s office research and insight on school district funding and efficiencies. These efforts have emphasized our rural districts, which have few choices when funding is cut, and are often the lifeblood of their local communities.
• Sharing the fiscal challenges of school districts, CASB instituted five staff furlough days for the second consecutive year while working hard to provide the quality services on which our members rely.
• Following a member dues freeze for 2010–11, CASB’s Board of Directors also approved a dues reduction of two percent in 2011–12, for members who pay their dues by July 15, 2011.

Reforming education policy with school boards in mind

• CASB formed a special task force that provided input and support to board members serving on the State Council for Educator Effectiveness. CASB testified before the Council and spearheaded efforts to resist the Council’s efforts to mandate one evaluation system for use by all school districts. With the help of CASB members, we helped convince the Council to draft recommendation that recognize the need for local boards to have the flexibility to design their own system, within the requirements of the law. CASB will continue to provide guidance to the State Board of Education as it develops implementation rules.
• Our Policy Team developed sample policies to assist school districts with implementing many new laws and ongoing initiatives, including Senate Bills 191 (educator effectiveness) and 163 (education accountability). In the next several weeks, the Policy Team will issue additional policies and revisions toreflect the legislature’s action in the most recent session.

Providing valuable support to members

• CASB’s Legal Team answered voluminous phone calls, issued revised legal memos and presented numerous workshops to inform school boards of their legal responsibilities, guide best practice, and assist local boards with their requests for legal information. The Fall Conference focused on a variety of legal issues affecting boards and school districts while the Winter Legislative Conference encouraged members to get more engaged with their legislators and community.
• The Federal Relations Network hosted a first-ever congressional luncheon attended by Sen. Michael Bennet, Rep. Cory Gardner and staff from other Colorado members of Congress.
• Through Policy Parameters and Special Policy Updates, CASB’s Policy and Legal teams gave members timely information and sample policy updates reflecting recent changes to the law.
• CASB’s Communication Team distributed vital information from other CASB teams to keep members updated on a variety of school board and education topics.
• The Member Relations Team worked closely with members and board teams keeping leaders connected to great governance and keeping school leaders across the state connected to each other.

Financial Information

Income 2009-2010
Membership Dues	$1,332,050
Convention/Conferences	558,542
Member Projects	203,195
Policy Services	93,984
Other Income	48,649
Commercial Affiliates/BOCES Dues	39,176
TOTAL	$2,275,596
Expenses 2009-2010
Operating/General Expenditures	$781,493
Convention/Conferences	479,813
Policy Services	220,223
Legal Services	188,201
Communication Services	170,318
Member Projects	154,944
Advocacy/Public Affairs	146,123
Member Relations	134,387
TOTAL	$2,275,502

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2009-10 Audited Fund Balance

   July 1, 2009 Balance – $33,718
   Revenues – 2,275,596
   Expenditures – 2,275,502
   June 30, 2010 Balance – 33,812