Vermont School Boards Association
John Nelson
Executive Director
Vermont School Boards Association
John Nelson rejoined the Vermont School Boards Association in 2003 after serving for six years as an attorney for the Vermont Department of Education. He previously served as the VSBA’s executive director from 1995 to 1997, and as it associate director from 1989 to 1995.
Nelson has experienced education from several perspectives. He has been a high school history teacher and department administrator, a school board member and an adjunct college instructor. He is a graduate of Indiana University and the Indiana University School of Law. He also holds an MPA degree from the University of Vermont.
His experience with the VSBA has accustomed Nelson to the fast pace and multiple roles that he and his two associates at the Association play in providing a rich array of services to Vermont school board members. Virtually all public school boards in Vermont are members of the VSBA along with nearly 30 independent school boards.
During Vermont’s legislative sessions, Nelson represents the interests of public education in Montpelier’s State House. He also concentrates on providing policy guidance to school boards and assisting with the Association’s busy school board training schedule.
Nelson has lived with his wife, Ann, and his daughter, Emily, in Japan and New Zealand. He enjoys fly fishing and bicycle touring, and he engages in various outdoor activities during Vermont’s long winters. He is also an aspiring student of the piano.