October

The mental health and well-being of students is a concern for school leaders as young people struggle in the wake of the pandemic. This issue’s cover story looks at how school districts are working with community groups and nonprofits to provide needed mental health services to their students. It’s transformative work that is improving behavior and academics. Also in this issue: What the U.S. Supreme Court’s latest affirmative action ruling means for K-12 schools, and much more.

A man and a woman smile before a bright and happy wall decoration that says welcome.

LEADERSHIP


Opening Bell: Back to school and mental health

Gone are the days when mental health matters were disregarded as unrelated to the responsibilities of educators and the school community, writes Publisher Renée Joe in this issue of ASBJ.

Leadership Matters: A powerful force for good

NSBA Executive Director and CEO Verjeana Jacobs-McCotter discusses NSBA’s federal advocacy priorities for the upcoming year. NSBA's extensive federal advocacy experience and ability to form partnerships with other national education advocacy groups will be needed to advance these important issues.

President’s Perspective: Tell us your stories of change and innovation

Sharing the story of innovation and hard work that teachers and administrators do every day to ensure that our students learn and thrive is crucial to public school success, says NSBA President Kristi Swett.

FEATURES


Healing Beyond the Classroom

Districts create partnerships to provide needed mental health services to their students.

Democracy in Action

School districts must function as democratic institutions to preserve American ideals of democracy.

Storytelling for School Leaders

School board members can tell stories to connect and gain support for their districts and for public education.

Diversity is Dead. Long Live Diversity

What the Supreme Court’s latest ruling on diversity means for K-12.

TRENDS

NSBA News: Leadership Updates; ASBJ wins Gold and Silver EXCEL Awards

Book Review: The Shift to Student-Led

Q&A: With 2023 National Teacher of the Year Rebecka Peterson

 

URBAN ADVOCATE


Congratulations to Our CUBE Award Winners

Missouri’s Ferguson-Florissant School Board is the recipient of the 2023 CUBE Annual Award for Urban School Board Excellence, and Dr. Jonathan Hodges of New Jersey’s Paterson Board of Education is the recipient of the 2023 Benjamin Elijah Mays Lifetime Achievement Award.

Transformation and Innovation — Public Schools Prepare for a Back-to-School Renaissance

Gill Garrett, chair of the CUBE Steering Committee, outlines ways urban school districts are committing to a transformative new school year.

SOUNDBOARD


Communications: Comm Camp

Arizona school district administrators gather for one full day to focus on communications.

Research: Social Media and Student Mental Health

Internet use impacts students’ mental health, leading to calls for policy and regulations.

Equity: Radical Care in Post-Pandemic Schools

Challenging school structures that reproduce inequality.

ONLINE ONLY


Teacher Shortages: It is time to provide solutions, not just some current facts!

A Collaborative Plan for New Board Member Orientation