Mission, Vision, and Strategic Direction

NSBA: The Leading Advocate for Public Education

Transforming public education, board by board.

The National School Boards Association (NSBA) is dedicated to equity and excellence in public education. We are focused on ensuring that each child, regardless of background, receives a quality education. NSBA addresses common challenges like addressing teacher shortages, supporting disadvantaged students, and closing the homework gap.

We elevate the voices of school boards and families nationwide, influencing policy in Congress, courts, and federal agencies. Our strategic communications position us as a powerful convener and thought leader. Our focus on member satisfaction ensures stellar service in helping to strengthen board relations and enhance effectiveness.

Whether you're from a city, a rural area, or anywhere in between, NSBA welcomes ALL school districts to participate in our programs and events. Join us and help us advocate for each student's success!

Our Mission

To equip school board members with resources to advocate for each student in each community, in partnership with our members. Learn more about School Board Leadership and Local Governance. 

Our Vision

Each school board ensures that each student can reach their full potential through quality and equitable educational opportunities.

Strategic Direction

Our strategic direction is rooted in six key pillars that guide our actions, ensuring financial health, enhanced advocacy, and improved member satisfaction, while fostering a healthy organizational culture and promoting good governance. By aligning our efforts with these objectives, NSBA aims to drive growth, elevate our impact, and solidify our standing as a trusted partner in shaping the future of education.

Below are the primary goals and initiatives that will help us achieve this vision.

Pillar 1: Financial Management and Smart Growth
Objective 1: Revenue Growth & Fiscal Stability

  • Embrace strategic spending practices by prioritizing essential vendors and identifying areas for nonessential expense reduction.
  • Proactively seek opportunities for revenue generation through innovative business development and sales strategies.

Pillar 2: Advocacy:
Objective 2: Elevated Impact

  • Position NSBA as a respected advocate and partner in national decision-making arenas, including congress, the courts, and federal agencies.
  • Advocate tirelessly on behalf of school boards and families in every community to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met.

Pillar 3: Strategic Communications & Thought Leadership:
Objective 3: Credibility & Improved Image

  • Establish NSBA as a powerful convener of school boards and partners, both online and in person.
  • Serve as a thought leader by offering evidence-based practices and equitable policies through various platforms such as trainings, publications, and speaking engagements.
  • Serve as a go-to source for the media and work as an active partner with other national education organizations.

Pillar 4: Member & Program Participant Satisfaction:
Objective 4: Stellar Customer Service & Experience

  • Focus on retaining and acquiring members and program participants by providing exceptional customer service.
  • Ensure informative, coordinated, and targeted communication to members, as well as timely responses to member needs
  • Actively recognizing and elevating member achievements.
  • Encourage formal and informal feedback to continuously improve services and experiences.

Pillar 5: Healthy Organizational Culture:
Objective 5: A Great Place to Work

  • Create a work environment where staff feel proud to be part of the team.
  • Promote work-life balance, clarity in expectations, and professional development.
  • Prioritize well-being of individuals by fostering a culture of safety, inclusivity, and support.
  • Establish a strong operational infrastructure through fundamental processes, policies, and systems.
  • Invest in staff capacity building to enhance efficiency and efficacy.

Pillar 6: Good Governance:
Objective 6: Operational Efficiency & Efficacy

  • Foster strong board relations and collaboration to ensure effective governance.
  • Engaging NSBA’s Board of Directors, Councils, and Steering Committee members to promote NSBA mission, vision, and goals.
  • Relying on the personal and business relationships of NSBA’s Board of Directors, Councils, and Steering Committee members to showcase NSBA’s value as a partner.