March 23, 2026
As I reflect on this past year serving as the 77th president of the National School Boards Association, I do so with deep gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose. This role has taken me across the country, into boardrooms, classrooms, and communities of every size and demographic. In each setting, one truth has remained constant: Local school board members are among the most important champions for student success in America.
It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent the more than 80,000 local board members who serve our nation’s public schools. These are individuals who volunteer countless hours, who make hard decisions in public view, and who remain steadfast in their belief that public education is the foundation of our democracy.
Throughout this year, I have seen firsthand the power of local governance. School board members are uniquely positioned at the intersection of community values and student needs. We adopt budgets that reflect priorities. We hire and evaluate the superintendents who set the tone for district leadership. We establish policies that shape school culture, safety, and opportunity. Every vote we take ultimately connects back to one question: How does this improve student outcomes?
That question must remain at the center of our work.
Student outcomes are not abstract metrics. They are the reading proficiency of a third grader who just discovered the joy of books. They are the graduation rates of students who are the first in their families to earn a diploma. They are the workforce credentials earned by students ready to contribute to their local economies. Outcomes reflect whether students are prepared not only for college or career, but for life.
When boards stay grounded in data, aligned around goals, and committed to continuous improvement, increased student achievement follows.
NSBA plays an essential role in supporting that work. It provides training that strengthens governance practices. It offers legal and policy guidance that helps boards navigate complex challenges. It creates a national network where leaders can learn from one another’s successes and setbacks. And perhaps most importantly, NSBA amplifies the voice of local school boards on the national stage.
In every state I visited this year, I witnessed innovative programs tailored to local needs: rural districts forming regional partnerships to expand course offerings; urban systems rethinking early literacy strategies; suburban communities investing in career and technical education aligned with industry demand. The diversity of approaches reflects not only the diversity of our country but also the shared commitment to students that unites us.
As I conclude this year of service, I am more convinced than ever that public education remains one of our nation’s greatest strengths. The challenges are real. Funding pressures, staffing shortages, evolving academic needs, and political tensions are part of the current landscape. But so too are extraordinary educators, engaged families, and resilient students.
Serving as NSBA president has reaffirmed my belief that when governance is strong and student-centered, schools thrive. I leave this role inspired by the dedication of my colleagues across the country and optimistic about what we can accomplish together.
Our work is not about politics. It is about possibility. And when we keep student outcomes at the center of every conversation, that possibility becomes reality.
Devin Sheehan, the 2025-26 president of NSBA, is a member of the Holyoke School Committee in Massachusetts.