Research
Research on student board members and their presence, engagement, accomplishments, and struggles in serving on public school boards is limited but growing. In order to ensure there is accurate and comprehensive information on the state of student board members across the United States, the National Student Board Member Association partners with student researchers and organizations to conduct research on student representation and outcomes. NSBMA seeks to serve as a hub for student representation research.
Research Brief: Toward Meaningful Student Participation on School Boards
Student board member roles are growing across the country, but presence alone does not guarantee influence.
NSBMA’s June 2026 brief, From Presence to Power, draws on New England research and national survey data to examine how policy, training, adult partnership, and civic learning shape whether student participation on school boards becomes meaningful.
School Board and Youth Engagement Lab, Teachers College
The School Board and Youth Engagement Lab (S-BYE) at Teachers College, Columbia University is highlighting the importance of student voice in democratic school governance through its Data-Driven School Governance initiative and the Dewey Data Project. S-BYE is mapping student representation in districts and states across the nation, and publishing a series of reports detailing their findings.
Additional Resources & Publications
Duis, M. (2026). Student School Board Representative Impact: Perceptions of Board Chairs and Student Representatives. International Journal of Student Voice, Volume(12). https://ijsv.psu.edu/volume-12/
Pamela Rabin, Ed.D (2025). Exploring Student Board Members’ Perceptions of School Board Engagement Practices Through the Lens of Self-Determination Theory. Dissertation completed as part of the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program at San Diego State University.
NSBMA Research Portfolio
NSBMA seeks to serve as a hub for student-representation research.
Monitor and Report on the State of Student Board Members
Quantify How Student Engagement Improves Schools
Create a Culture of Civic Engagement in Schools
Identify Effective Student Representation Models
Track Accomplishments of Student Board Members
Understand Other Factors Related to Student Representation