August 2024 Issue of ASBJ Available Now

The cover story for this issue examines the variety of ways that districts are dealing with building renovations and repairs of aging facilities, spurred by the knowledge that quality school buildings produce better academic outcomes, attendance rates, and safety and security. Also in the issue, how the Association of Alaska School Boards works with districts to integrate culture and restorative policies and practices, and Montana schools’ use of data-informed triage to help students at risk of dropping out.

A brick school building with a flagpole in front

LEADERSHIP

Leadership Matters: Building Connections

NSBA Executive Director and CEO Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs notes that ASBJ traditionally examines school buildings and facilities in its August issue. This issue spotlights a Maryland school district that has recently produced 28 new or significantly renovated schools, with more in the pipeline.

President’s Perspective: It’s About Showing Up

When it comes to supporting and advancing public education, school board members show up and make a difference by working on their local boards, in partnership with their state associations, and as members of the Na­tional School Boards Association, says NSBA 2024-25 President Donald Hubler.

 

FEATURES

Building for the Future

Districts work to fix historic and long-standing school infrastructure issues.

Early Warning System
Montana schools use data-informed triage to help students at risk of dropping out of school.

Foundation of Knowledge
New school board members need background knowledge quickly to serve effectively from the start.

From Contempt to Dignity
Timothy Shriver on breaking our cultural addiction to contempt by treating everyone — no exceptions — with dignity.

State Member Spotlight: Grounded in Identity and Culture

The Association of Alaska School Boards helps districts integrate culture and culturally restorative policies, practices, curriculum, and hiring.

 

TRENDS

Newsmaker: Overcoming Asian American Invisibility

 

Q&A With School Nutrition Association President Shannon Gleave

 

URBAN ADVOCATE

Healthy Foods, Healthy Students
Urban districts strive to create a food safety net, as well as to provide healthier food options for their students.

Chairman’s Column: The Importance of District Management, Facilities, and Finance
District management, facilities, and finance form the backbone of educational quality and equity and are components of a successful education system, writes CUBE Chair Gill Garrett.

 

SOUNDBOARD

Communications: Successful Bond Efforts

Advice on how to ask your community to raise funds for facilities.

 

Research: Financial Literacy Matters

PISA data on students’ financial literacy shows districts must do more to build financial skills.

 

Equity: Monitoring Equity Progress

School systems can use audits to examine how their equity initiatives are working.

 

School Law: Adverse Actions and Title VII

A recent Supreme Court employment case decision could impact schools.

 

ONLINE ONLY

Too Few Student Apprentices to Fill Our Essential Employment Needs

Time for Bonding* Between K-12 Schools and Community-Technical Colleges to Overcome Teacher Shortages