National School Boards Association

The National School Boards Association (NSBA) is a nonprofit educational organization operating as a federation of state associations of school boards across the United States. Founded in 1940, NSBA represents state school boards associations and their more than 90,000 local school board members. It argues that education is a civil right, and public education is America's most vital institution.[1] During the first years of the organization, it was expected that members serve on state boards of education for several years. However, the average term of service turned to four years during the late 1980s and into the 1990s. The organization concentration shifted to enhancing the professional development of board members, training in policy development, and information dissemination.[2]

"NSBA" redirects here. For the 1979-1980 survey, see National Survey of Black Americans.
NSBA
Full nameNational School Boards Association
Founded1940 (1940)
Office locationAlexandria, VA Thomas J. Gentzel, Executive Director
CountryUnited States
Websitewww.nsba.org

While the length of time individuals served on the boards of education changed, the organization also reformed into a focus of policy development of state education. In the early twenty-first century, the NASBE reflected the work of state boards, the diverse views, and the influence of legislatures and governors on the policymaking process. This turned the organization into not only board members, but also educational leaders. A person who is not a state board education member can still be a part of the organization including state school boards associations and U.S. territory of the Virgin Islands.[3]

The organization relies on the following views:[4]

  • Public education is essential.
  • Public education must address the needs of all students.
  • Public education is the most fundamental obligation of state government.
  • Citizen governance is essential in making public education an enterprise that fulfills its purpose.
  • Citizens who serve in positions of governance over public education must do so without conflict of interest.
  • Every state board member has national level roles and responsibilities.
  • Differences among and between states should be recognized and considered when addressing education policy.

Services and programs
  • Center for Public Education
  • State Association Services – NSBA offers training and resources to State School Board Associations and their executive directors.
  • National Connection – A partnership of state school boards associations and NSBA, National Connection provides nationally developed tools and resources for school boards.
  • Council of School Attorneys (COSA) – COSA provides information and practical legal assistance to more than 3,000 attorneys representing K-12 public school districts and state school boards associations.
  • Council of Urban Boards of Education (CUBE) – CUBE supports urban school boards, fosters effective school district leadership, and addresses the education challenges that exist in US urban centers.
  • Federal Policy Coordinators Network – This network provides members with the latest information and lobbying support on federal education policy.
  • Federal Relations Network (FRN) – FRN is NSBA's core grassroots network. It provides the opportunity for school board members to engage with their members of Congress.
  • National Black Council (NBC) of School Board Members - NBC promotes equitable education access and opportunities for African-American children through national dialogue on education problems, issues, and concerns in conjunction with NSBA and other national organizations.
  • National Hispanic Council (NHC) of School Board Members – NHC works to promote and advance equal educational opportunities for Hispanic children by Council members becoming actively engaged in national dialogue on educational problems, issues and concerns in conjunction with NSBA and other national organizations.
  • National Caucus of American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) School Board Members – AIAN serves in an advisory capacity to the NSBA in matters affecting NSBA's policy and program issues. It works to promote quality education for all students with emphasis on the problems and success of the American Indian/Alaska Native student.
  • Technology Leadership Network (TLN) – TLN, founded in 1987, examines the intersection of policy and practice and provides school boards, administrators, and district technology teams with resources and experiences to help them make well-informed technology decisions.
  • NSBAConnect – NSBAConnect is a networking and discussion tool for members to learn more about NSBA's activities and the work of other school board members.

Adjustments Due to COVID-19

There are events, signature events, webinars, and podcasts to help school board members with their work through updates on professional development opportunities and programs from educational leaders. All of these programs are virtual due to the pandemic. State school boards associations are the main authority for governance and policy. In states that require mandated training for school board members, they must comply with the state school boards associations guidelines.[5]

References
  1. (nd) About NSBA. Retrieved 6/7/07.
  2. "National Association of State Boards of Education". Retrieved October 3, 2020.
  3. "About NSBA". Retrieved October 3, 2020.
  4. "About NSBA". Retrieved October 3, 2020.
  5. "NSBA Events". Retrieved October 3, 2020.


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