August 2023 Issue of ASBJ Now Available

Inflation and staffing shortages are challenging for nearly all school boards and school districts today. However, those factors, combined with post-pandemic declining enrollment and an aging population, have hit small and rural districts hard. Our cover story examines how rural districts are working to overcome these challenges. Also in this issue: the importance of reviewing district data policies; renewing the whole board’s oath of office; a preview of the 2023 CUBE Annual Conference; and more.

A male student wearing a backpack walks along an empty hallway lined with lockers.

LEADERSHIP

 

Opening Bell: Small school challenges

Addressing issues caused by post-pandemic declining enrollment and an aging population, supporting board development, and the upcoming CUBE Conference are among the topics that Publisher Renée Joe highlights in this issue of ASBJ.

Leadership Matters: Meeting our challenges head-on

New NSBA Executive Director and CEO Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs knows firsthand the challenges and the deep satisfaction that comes with being a school board member.

President’s Perspective: Innovation takes flight

School board mem­bers are, by nature, problem-solvers, says NSBA President Kristi Swett: “Many of us ran for the school board because we saw issues and wanted to be part of the solution.”

 

FEATURES

Shifting Demographics

Post-pandemic declining enrollment and demographic changes pose particular challenges for small and rural districts.

 

A Practical Approach to Data Protection

Review your data policies as we enter a new era of data policies.

 

Oath of Office

Swearing in a new school board member? Use the opportunity to renew the whole board’s commitments.

 

The True ABCs of School Board Service

Moving from a focus on athletics, band, and cheerleaders to administration, budgets, and curriculum can help lay the foundation for a strong school board.

 

TRENDS

 

NSBA News: McCotter-Jacobs Appointed Executive Director and CEO

 

Newsmaker: Asian American Stories of Resistance and Joy

 

Book Review:  The Buying and Selling of American Education

 

Q&A: With Educational Leadership Researcher Raymond Lauk

 

URBAN ADVOCATE 

Urban School Leaders Unite

Preview the CUBE (Council of Urban Boards of Education) 2023 Annual Conference, Sept. 14-16, in Chicago.

 

High-Quality Facilities Provide Environments for Every Student to Use and Enjoy as They Grow

School facilities that are safe, adaptable, sustainable, and equipped with technological upgrades are integral to providing students with the highest quality education possible, writes Gill Garrett, chair of the CUBE Steering Committee. 

SOUNDBOARD

 

Communications: Make Your School District Better

A California CCO provides resources for other comms professionals looking to do more with less.

 

Research: Underperforming in History

History and civics results show students need critical thinking and analytical skills.

 

Equity: See All of Your Students

The student mental health crisis demands immediate attention.

 

ONLINE ONLY

 

How a First-Time Principal Led Systemic Change Despite a Pandemic: A guide for new administrators

Construction Management as an Extension of Learning Environments