President's Perspective: School board work is not easy, but it is vital

In his October column, NSBA President Devin Sheehan reminds us that public education is "the cornerstone of our democracy. It is where children learn not only math and reading but also the values of citizenship, respect, and responsibility. Our diversity makes us richer, but our shared commitment gives us the power to act. Through NSBA, we transform that commitment into national action."

September 15, 2025

Serving as president of the National School Boards Association has given me the opportunity to speak with school board members from every corner of this country, from rural towns with one school building to large metropolitan districts educating tens of thousands of students. 

In every conversation, I am reminded that despite our differences in geography, size, or demographics, school board members across our great nation are united by a mission that transcends politics and local boundaries. We want every child in every ZIP code to have the opportunity to attend a strong public school that prepares them for a successful future.

The challenges may look different from district to district. Despite these variations, the goal remains constant. We want strong public schools that meet the needs of all students.

There is also clear agreement on what undermines that goal. Public funds belong in public schools. Vouchers, unaccountable charter school expansion, and privatization efforts erode the foundation of our public education system. These measures take critical resources away from the schools that educate the overwhelming majority of our nation’s children and funnel them into systems that lack the same transparency, accountability, and equity that the public has a right to expect.

This is where NSBA’s role becomes indispensable. NSBA is the only national organization representing school board members, the elected leaders who are closest to students, families, and communities. We understand firsthand how policy decisions made in Washington, D.C., and in state legislatures ripple through classrooms, cafeterias, and playgrounds. We know the stakes.

NSBA ensures that our voices reach the people making those decisions. When Congress or federal agencies consider legislation or regulations that impact our schools, NSBA is there to ensure that the perspective of locally elected leaders is not only heard but also respected.

NSBA has been a leading voice in support of the federal E-rate program, which plays a crucial role in closing the digital divide by bringing affordable high-speed internet access to tens of thousands of schools and libraries. 

Our advocacy has been pivotal in pushing for greater funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. NSBA championed the role of local school boards in securing pandemic relief funds that allowed districts to keep students and staff safe, invest in technology, and address learning loss. We have defended the principle of local governance against attempts to erode the authority of communities to make decisions about their own schools.

These achievements did not happen by chance. They happened because NSBA, representing thousands of school board members, speaks with one powerful and unified voice. In a time when public schools are facing unprecedented challenges, from funding pressures to political polarization, a strong, organized, national advocate for local leaders is not optional. It is essential.

Public education is the cornerstone of our democracy. It is where children learn not only math and reading but also the values of citizenship, respect, and responsibility. Our diversity makes us richer, but our shared commitment gives us the power to act.

Through NSBA, we transform that commitment into national action. America’s public schools remain the heart of our democracy. The work is not easy, but it is vital. The stakes could not be higher, and the time to stand united for public education is now.