President's Perspective: Lead with vision, courage, and purpose

In his first column as NSBA president, Devin Sheehan discusses NSBA’s purpose —providing a voice in our nation’s capital on behalf of school board members during this critical crossroads for public education. 

July 14, 2025

This is my first column as president of NSBA, so I’d like to introduce myself to those of you I haven’t met yet. 

My journey in public education began in Holyoke, Massachusetts, where I grew up attending public schools. Holyoke is an old New England mill town. In its heyday, it had a population of over 60,000 but now stands at about 37,000. I first joined my school committee in high school—most Massachusetts districts have student representatives on school committees. Then, in 2009, at 27 years old, I decided to run as an adult for a seat. I won with 60% of the vote. 

I gradually became involved with my state association, moving up through leadership roles and serving as president. Working in these leadership roles, I often encourage school board members to “Tell your why. Tell your story.”

Here is my “why,” one I have not shared before.

I was born into a loving family with an older brother and two wonderful parents. I did OK in school—I think I had a C/B- average. I was on a 504 plan because I had a speech impediment. I was the kid who always took longer to get his homework done. I couldn’t stay focused, but I got by. I was never a behavioral problem, but school didn’t come easy. I would study for hours and get a C.

I was a good kid, but I was also different. I wasn’t coordinated, I wasn’t into sports, and I was picked on for being the “husky” kid. I had some friends, but I was also very guarded. I had great teachers, but as an average student, I sometimes felt unnoticed.

Today, we stand at a critical crossroads for public education. The challenges are vast—funding disparities, teacher shortages, mental health concerns, and the ever-evolving landscape of technology in learning. We are seeing chaos in our federal government as programs for English learners are cut and a push for vouchers and privatization grows stronger than ever.

That is why NSBA is here. That is why you have a voice in our nation’s capital. But in every challenge lies an opportunity.

Every time something happens that may hurt a student, we, as school board members, must stand up and say, “No.” We have the power to shape the future of education for generations to come.

As school board leaders, we must recommit to policies and initiatives that close opportunity gaps, support diverse learning environments, and create pathways for success for every student.

Strong schools are built on strong communities. We must continue to foster partnerships between schools, families, and local organizations to create a supportive network around our students. 

So, what does the future of education look like? It looks like innovation—integrating technology to enhance learning while ensuring it remains equitable. It looks like mental health support—providing students with the emotional and psychological resources they need to succeed. It looks like unwavering advocacy—standing up for policies that put students first and fighting against those that threaten to weaken and dismantle our public education system.

We have a responsibility not just to manage our schools but to lead with vision, courage, and purpose. Let us reaffirm our commitment to students, support our educators, and strengthen our communities. Let us continue to be the champions of public education, ensuring that every child can reach their full potential.

Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your unwavering belief in the power of education. Together, we will build the future our students deserve.