National School Boards Association

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The National School Boards Association (NSBA) is a nonprofit educational organization operating as a federation of state associations of school boards across the United States. Founded in 1940, NSBA represents state school boards associations and their more than 90,000 local school board members. It argues that education is a civil right and that public education is America's most vital institution.^[1] During the first years of the organization, it was expected that members would serve on state boards of education for several years. However, the average term of service turned to four years in the late 1980s and the 1990s. The organization's concentration shifted to enhancing the professional development of board members, training in policy development, and information dissemination.^[2]

The length of time that individuals served on the boards of education changed, and the organization also reformed into a focus of policy development of state education. In the early 21st century, the National Association of State Boards of Education reflected the work of state boards, the diverse views, and the influence of legislatures and governors on the policymaking process. That turned the organization into not only board members but also educational leaders. Someone who is not a state board education member can still be a part of the organization including state school boards associations and that of the Virgin Islands, a U.S. territory.^[3]

The organization relies on the following views:^[3]

• Public education is essential.
• Public education must address the needs of all students.
• Public education is the most fundamental obligation of state government.
• Citizen governance is essential in making public education an enterprise that fulfills its purpose.
• Citizens who serve in positions of governance over public education must do so without conflict of interest.
• Every state board member has national level roles and responsibilities.
• Differences among and between states should be recognized and considered when addressing education policy.