Our Story
NSBMA believes that preparing students to serve on school boards is fundamental to successful and effective student board members. Understanding board budgets, operating within Roberts Rule of Order, and evaluating plans to raise test scores are complicated but essential aspects of governance . We believe that when student board members understand education policy, they are best equipped to represent students and strengthen the entire school board.
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Founded in 2023, the National Student Board Member Association (NSBMA) is empowering and elevating students who serve on boards of education and similar bodies across the United States. NSBMA is the first association built by and for Student Board Members (SBMs).
Students are the primary recipients of the educational process and we believe that their input plays a critical role in building better school systems across the country. Our aim is to break down barriers to students representing their peers and making positive change during their tenures.
With our focus on intergenerational collaboration, we are constructing transformative trainings, reliable resources, and nation-wide networks so these unique young leaders can hone their skills and achieve success.
Our Mission
We connect, support, and empower student school board members and other educational stakeholders to advance student representation in education decision-making, providing the skills, tools, and knowledge to drive meaningful change in their schools and communities.
Our Vision
We envision an education system where students, as primary stakeholders, play a central role in all aspects of governance and decision-making, working with adults as equals to improve education.
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Are SBMs only in public school districts?A vast majority of SBMs are from public high schools, serving on public boards of education, however there are SBMs in private & post-secondary settings with varying roles and responsibilities, but the same goal of representing their peers in the educational decision-making process!
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What is a student board member (SBM)?A student board member, or SBM, is a student serving on a state, local, regional, or charter school Board of Education or equivalent who is invited to and actively participates in at least 50% of regular business meetings in their official capacity. Student board members are also known as student trustees, student board representatives, etc.
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How can I learn more?Browse our website to gain some more insight, join our email list to get updates about NSBMA, SBMs, and news on young leaders in the educational space, and lastly, contact your board of education members to encourage them to send their SBMs to one of our trainings. As always, feel free to reach out to us at admin@nsbma.net with any questions!
FAQ
Student-Adult Partnership
NSBMA is a student-founded and youth-led organization that prioritizes intergenerational
collaboration. We aim to model the student-adult partnerships we want to see in school systems
across the country. To that end, we have partnered with the National Center on Education and the Economy as our incubator and ally in advancing student representation.
