September 12, 2025
Council of Urban Boards of Education Honors Transformative Leader in Urban Education
The National School Boards Association’s Council of Urban Boards of Education (CUBE) presented the 2025 Benjamin Elijah Mays Lifetime Achievement Award to Erika Mitchell, Chair of the Atlanta Board of Education. The prestigious award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the educational needs of urban school children through their service as a local school board member. Mitchell received the award on September 12, 2025, at the CUBE Annual Conference in Los Angeles, before an audience of urban school board members and education leaders.
“Erika Mitchell embodies the visionary leadership and dedication to student success that Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays championed,” said Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs, NSBA Executive Director and CEO. “From raising graduation rates and advancing literacy in Atlanta Public Schools to advocating for teacher support, family engagement, and programs that empower students, her work has made a lasting difference in her district and beyond. We are proud to honor her with the Benjamin Elijah Mays Lifetime Achievement Award for a career devoted to helping every child thrive.”
During her tenure on the Atlanta Board of Education, Erika Mitchell has led transformative initiatives that have significantly improved student outcomes. Under her leadership, Atlanta Public Schools achieved a historic 88.4% graduation rate, the highest in district history. She spearheaded the development of a district-wide literacy policy aligned with Georgia House Bill 538, helped secure the largest teacher pay increase since 2009, and championed programs to support parents, educators, and students, including Project S.E.M.S. and Atlanta Women in Sports.
“Erika Mitchell’s leadership is an inspiring example of what it means to serve with purpose, integrity, and commitment to students,” said Joel Rodriguez, Chair of NSBA’s Council of Urban Boards of Education and a member of the School City of East Chicago Board of Trustees in Indiana. “Her achievements in Atlanta Public Schools demonstrate how strong governance, advocacy, and community engagement can drive real progress. The Council of Urban Boards of Education is proud to recognize her with the Benjamin Elijah Mays Lifetime Achievement Award for her exceptional contributions to urban education.”
The award is named for Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, who joined the Atlanta Board of Education in 1969 and served as its president from 1970–1981. During his tenure, Mays worked tirelessly to provide educational opportunities for children and is remembered for his outstanding leadership and service as a scholar, teacher, minister, mentor, author, and civil rights activist.