Resolutions Guide

The Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB) resolutions process brings member school boards together to shape the Association’s advocacy work. Each November, during AASB’s Annual Conference, voting delegates adopt official positions that guide the Association’s advocacy agenda and priorities. Through this annual process, member boards may propose new positions, amend existing positions, and consider whether existing resolutions and belief statements should continue or sunset. Alaska school boards play an important role in bringing forward local perspectives, highlighting emerging challenges, and helping ensure the Association’s advocacy reflects the needs and experiences of communities across the state.

The Resolution Guide is intended to help AASB members better understand the resolutions process and how to effectively participate in it. Within this guide, you will find key terms and definitions, a detailed timeline, and guidance for drafting and submitting resolutions. Member boards may submit proposed resolutions on any subject relevant to public education.

Well-crafted resolutions provide AASB with clearly stated goals while providing flexibility to pursue solutions that meet member needs. The strongest resolutions combine a clearly defined issue, identifiable decision-makers, a thoughtful supporting rationale, and a practical call to action.

Before drafting a new resolution, review AASB’s Where We Stand to determine whether an existing resolution or belief statement already addresses your priority in whole or in part. In some cases, proposing an amendment to an existing resolution may be more effective than introducing an entirely new one.  

Clearly state the advocacy position. Effective resolutions articulate a practical solution, policy direction, or desired outcome. The action requests should be realistic, specific, and understandable to someone unfamiliar with the issue. Clear language helps members, legislators, and policymakers understand exactly what change is being requested and why it matters.

Consider whether to specify the decision-makers empowered to make change. Depending on the topic, the appropriate audience may include the Alaska Legislature, Congress, the Governor, the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED), or local school boards and districts. Identifying the responsible decision-maker helps focus advocacy efforts and strengthens the effectiveness of the resolution.

Strong rationale statements establish context, explain the impact on students and districts, and build a case for action. An effective rationale is concise, factual, and focused on helping readers understand the importance of the issue. Please note that AASB delegates will debate and take action only on the language of the resolution itself, and not the rationale. AASB staff may edit rationale statements as necessary.

Because AASB resolutions help guide statewide advocacy priorities, proposed resolutions should address issues with broad relevance to Alaska school boards across the state. Strong resolutions connect local experiences to larger statewide trends, challenges, or policy concerns that may affect multiple districts and communities.

AASB member school boards may submit new resolutions, proposed amendments to existing resolutions or belief statements, or comments on existing positions through the annual resolutions process. All proposed resolutions and amendments must be approved through formal action of a member school board prior to submission.

Resolutions should be submitted using the official AASB resolution submission form and should include the full text of the proposed resolution and any supporting rationale statement. 

Submitted resolutions are reviewed by AASB staff for formatting, clarity, and consistency before being compiled for consideration by the Resolutions Committee. AASB staff may contact submitting districts with questions prior to publication of the resolutions packet.