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Transforming public education, board by board.

Learn more about NSBA 

Learn more about our mission, vision, and strategic direction 

About the Organization

Founded in 1940, the National School Boards Association’s (NSBA) purpose is to ensure each student everywhere has access to excellent and equitable public education governed by high-performing school board leaders and supported by the community.

Events

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The Advocacy Institute is dedicated to advancing educational equity and advocating for policies that foster inclusive learning environments for K-12 public schools. As advocacy amplifies the voices and needs of marginalized communities, equity work ensures that policies and practices are implemented to provide fair and just opportunities for all students. 

School attorneys from across the country will gather in San Antonio, April 9-11 for the annual COSA Spring School Law Seminar. Earn continuing legal education credit while updating yourself on current law and litigation affecting public schools, discussing best practices, and networking with your colleagues. Hear from nationally-renown authorities on hot topics including quickly-evolving standards affecting student and staff rights.

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This national event that brings together education leaders from across the country, offering a unique opportunity to learn about best governance practices, gain insights into child development, and explore cutting-edge programs and technology to enrich student learning. Join us in San Antonio for an empowering experience of national school board leadership learning and networking with like-minded professionals. 

ASBJ October 2025 Cover: Two girls study an automobile steering system using a virtual simulation platform.

October 2025 Issue of American School Board Journal Now Online

The October cover story examines the potential for artificial intelligence to transform career and technical education. Also, the recently updated National Career Clusters Framework, Kansas City Public Schools' commitment to music education, community engagement initiatives in urban schools, step-by-step guidance for applying for the 2026 Magna Awards, and the crucial role of school boards in reviewing and approving high-quality instructional math materials. 

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From curiosity to career readiness for ALL students: Explore Career Advantage with Project Lead The Way

Prepare every student for a future they wouldn’t otherwise imagine by implementing innovative, hands-on curriculum from PLTW. Districts that implement Project Lead The Way achieve better outcomes related to college.

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Dr. Phelton Moss

NSBA Welcomes Dr. Phelton Moss as Managing Director of Government Relations

NSBA is proud to announce the hiring of Dr. Phelton Moss as our new Managing Director of Government Relations.
Dr. Moss brings a wealth of experience in education policy, advocacy, and leadership at the federal, state, and local levels.

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Cover of Becoming a Better Board Member

Becoming a Better Board Member is a must-have guide for anyone serving on a school board—whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills. Published by NSBA, this essential resource offers clear, practical insights into the responsibilities, policies, and challenges of school board governance. It’s a trusted tool for navigating the complexities of public education and leading with confidence.

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Cover of Key Work of School Boards Guidebook

The Key Work of School Boards Guidebook is NSBA’s foundational resource for effective school board governance. Grounded in decades of research and practice, this guidebook identifies the core skills that effective boards need to ensure that all students achieve at high levels through excellence in governance. Whether you're building a shared vision, setting strategic goals, or holding your system accountable, this framework supports excellence in every aspect of board service.

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A woman looks over the shoulder of a child

A School Choice Brief: Public, Charter, Homeschool, and Private

This research brief breaks down the new federal law about school choice, how it differs from existing voucher and tax-credit programs, and what it means for local districts—delivering clear, factual insights for data-driven leadership and community awareness.


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NSBA Federal Public School Law Guidebook Cover

Now Available! 2025 Edition of NSBA’s Federal Public School Law Guidebook

NSBA's Federal Public School Law Guidebook is the only comprehensive resource focused exclusively on federal law as it applies to K-12 public schools. While many states have their own school law handbooks, NSBA's guidebook fills a critical gap by addressing federal legal issues that impact school districts nationwide. The guidebook covers a wide range of topics, including constitutional and federal law; school board authority and governance; funding; curriculum; school safety; operations; liability and immunity; employee and student rights; discipline; special education; religion in schools; and student records, data privacy, and internet use. The 2025 edition includes analysis of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions and changes made by the Trump administration to the 2024 Title IX regulations; immigration; and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

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Advertise with NSBA

Beyond our award-winning flagship publication American School Board Journal (ASBJ), NSBA also offers an array of other print and online marketing strategies allowing you to create a comprehensive, highly targeted year-round campaign. NSBA's audience reaches the entire district-level decision-making team made up of superintendents, school administrators, elected school members, school business officials, technology directors, and more.

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NSBA Executive Director & CEO Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs in the News

McCotter-Jacobs recently appeared on ABC News Live to discuss the impact of the federal government shutdown on the nation's schools. She explained that while most education money comes from state and local governments, federal programs like Title I and IDEA provide vital support that schools and families rely on every day. Thankfully, money for those key programs is still flowing to states so, unless the shutdown lasts multiple weeks or months, the impact on local school districts should be minimal.

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