Testimony Supporting HB 2510 in the Kansas Legislature

Chair Estes and Members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony regarding HB 2510. My name is Aiden Buzzetti, and I serve as the President of the 1776 Project Foundation, an organization that aims to revitalize public education nationwide

HB 2510 makes a necessary correction to current law by ensuring that association dues paid with public dollars are allocated on an individual, opt-in basis rather than automatically on behalf of an entire school board.

Every school district is unique, and varies widely in their values, needs, and priorities. To that end, allowing individual board members to decide for themselves ensures that associations remain responsive to their members, rather than being insulated by automatic public funding.
This is important because school board associations in Kansas and nationally have expanded their scope beyond neutral governance support and technical assistance to include advocacy on contested social and ideological issues, including encouraging law enforcement action against parents.

HB 2510 does not prohibit associations from continuing their work, nor does it prevent any board member from joining an association of their choosing. In fact, HB 2510 restores consent by allowing each board member to decide whether participation in a membership association is appropriate for them.

The opportunities for training and education for board members have expanded significantly over the last few years, and HB 2510 would help board members who have sought alternatives better serve their communities, instead of supporting advocacy that doesn’t represent their communities.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Aiden Buzzetti President