American School Board Journal: April 2025

This issue shines a light on the innova­tive work of school boards and their districts, highlighted by the winners in the 2025 Magna Awards program. These noteworthy programs demonstrate how school leaders and staff creatively solve problems facing their schools, students, and communities. Also, in this issue, how school board members can more effectively use research, guidance on improving indoor air quality for students, and meet the National Rural Teacher of the Year.  

Girl wearing graduation robe smiles

CALIFORNIA'S COMPTON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT EARNED A GRAND PRIZE IN THE 2025 MAGNA AWARDS PROGRAM FOR ITS COLLEGE ACCESS INITIATIVE, COMPTON GOES TO COLLEGE! 

PHOTO CREDIT: COMPTON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

LEADERSHIP

Leadership Matters: Doing the right work
Programs like the Magna Awards give us and the board members we represent the opportunity to illustrate how school boards face challenges by creating innovative solutions, writes NSBA CEO and President Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs. NSBA has done the same, she says, by embracing challenges as opportunities.

President’s Perspective: School board members share common beliefs
Outgoing NSBA President Donald Hubler recalls the past year of leadership, particularly the opportunity to attend many state association annual conferences and meet with their administrators, state association boards, and local school board members.

FEATURES

2025 Magna Awards: Grand Prize Winners
The 2025 Magna Awards recognize three Grand Prize winners for innovation and creativity in solving an education challenge.

2025 Magna Awards: Silver Award Winners
The 2025 Magna Awards recognize 12 Silver Award winners for innovation and creativity in solving an education challenge.

Students Learn Better with Clean Air
Improving indoor air quality for students doesn't have to cost a lot of money, and it will improve achievement.

What Does the Research Say?
How school boards can support a culture of using research for decision-making.

2025 NSBA Annual Conference Preview
Take a peek at what's in store for conference-goers this year in Atlanta

TRENDS

Awards Season is Underway

Book Review: Apprentice Nation

Q&A with Melissa Oberg, National Rural Teacher of the Year

URBAN ADVOCATE

Chairman's Column: The Work Is Far from Over 

SOUNDBOARD

Research: Soft Skills Matter
Now more than ever, students need durable skills for a future shaped by AI.

Equity: Rural Schools Need Multilingual Support
Resources are available inside and outside of the community.

Law: When Does FAPE End for Students with Disabilities?
Recent court cases raise legal and financial concerns for school districts.

ONLINE ONLY

Decoupling Free and Reduced-Price Lunch from Economic Disadvantage

Resource List for "What Does the Research Say?"