In a call to action, NSBA Executive Director and CEO Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs underscores public education’s importance to our democracy and invites school board members everywhere to partner with NSBA in the critical work of ensuring that public schools have the resources, leadership, and legislative support necessary to serve each student in each community.
July 14, 2025
As school board members, we all know that public education is the bedrock of our democracy. It empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and secures a strong future for all of us. The National School Boards Association (NSBA) is proud to champion this essential institution and support the thousands of school board members. These board members dedicate themselves to ensuring that every student—regardless of background, ZIP code, or circumstance—has access to a high-quality public education.
As we celebrate 85 years of service, we reflect not just on our history, but also on our evolution. We are not the same organization we were in 1940. We are stronger, more focused, and more committed than ever to meeting the challenges of today's educational landscape. The core of our work remains: to equip school board members with the tools and resources they need to serve each student in each community.
School boards oversee the education of more than 50 million students across the country. By amplifying board voices, no matter their political affiliations, NSBA helps shape national education policy, pushes for equitable funding, and supports the principles of local governance that ensure decisions are made closest to the students they affect. Our advocacy promotes essential issues such as the full funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), student safety, digital transformation, and closing opportunity gaps.
These critical topics will take center stage at our upcoming Council of Urban Boards of Education (CUBE) Annual Conference, Sept. 11-13, in Los Angeles. This event, like all NSBA initiatives, is rooted in our commitment to educational equity, excellence, and innovation.
And what do we mean by equity?
It's a word that, unfortunately, continues to be misunderstood or misrepresented. However, its meaning is simple and direct: giving each child what they need to succeed. If we can agree on the importance of meeting every student where they are, then we're already aligned—even if we choose different words.
NSBA continues to lead through programs like CUBE, the Center for Public Education, the Advocacy and Equity Institute, and our annual national conference. These efforts give school boards access to research, training, and a powerful network of peers and thought leaders. We are building a movement of educators and advocates who are ready to face the challenges of today and shape the promise of tomorrow.
Yet, public education is under increasing pressure—from budget cuts and workforce shortages to politicization and persistent inequities. Recently, discussions to cut critical programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid, and IDEA reimbursements remind us that the fight for educational justice must remain urgent and unyielding.
Our children cannot wait. Their education, health, and future demand more than political rhetoric—they demand action. That's why NSBA works every day to ensure public schools have the resources, leadership, and legislative support they need.
We invite all school board members to stand with us. Engage with your local school boards association. Attend our events. Advocate for public schools. Share your voice in shaping the future of education. Together, we can ensure that public education remains a way to provide opportunity for all.
Learn more about how you can get involved by visiting the membership section of our website. Let's continue the work together for every student in every community.
Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs (ceo@nsba.org) is NSBA’s executive director and CEO and the publisher of American School Board Journal.