Chairman's Column: The Work Is Far from Over

As my term as steering committee chair of the National School Boards Association’s (NSBA) Council of Urban Boards of Education (CUBE) comes to a close, I find myself filled with a profound sense of gratitude and optimism. Serving as the CUBE chair has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career in public education advocacy. It has been a privilege to work alongside enthusiastic, dedicated school board members from across the nation committed to improving educational opportunities for all students, particularly those in urban communities.

Leadership transitions are inevitable and vital for organizations, and CUBE is no exception. I am thrilled to pass the reins to Joel Rodriguez as the next steering committee chair. Joel, a trustee for Indiana’s School City of East Chicago, brings an unwavering commitment to equity, excellence, and innovation in education. Under his leadership, I am confident that CUBE will continue to build on our strong foundations, laying even more bricks toward a brighter, more equitable future for the students and families we serve. The work of the CUBE steering committee remains critical, and I look forward to seeing how Joel and his team will continue to champion the vision and values we hold dear.

As my tenure concludes, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of staying engaged — both nationally and at the grassroots level — regardless of where we are in our leadership journey. I encourage you to remain involved. The work does not end when you step down from the dais. If anything, it evolves.

There are countless ways to stay engaged on a national level. Organizations like NSBA and CUBE offer opportunities to serve on committees, participate in conferences, and advocate for policies that positively impact public education. Your voice and experience remain invaluable in shaping the national conversation around education equity and excellence.

Please consider joining the NSBA Alumni Network (https://nsba.org/membership/alumni). This will allow you to continue your support and commitment to public education.

At the same time, grassroots engagement is equally critical. As someone who has always been deeply connected to my community, I understand the power of local advocacy. Whether mentoring new school board members, supporting grassroots initiatives, or collaborating with community organizations, you can always find ways to ensure that our schools remain beacons of hope and opportunity for every child.

To my fellow board members and education advocates, I urge that you never underestimate the ripple effect of your efforts. Whether you are advocating for funding at the state level, implementing policies at the local level, or addressing systemic inequities on a national platform, every action contributes to the larger movement for educational justice.

In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my colleagues at CUBE, NSBA, the Michigan Association of School Boards, the Pontiac School District Board of Education, and the countless educators, families, and students who have inspired me along this journey. Serving as CUBE chair has been an honor, but my work is far from over. I look forward to continuing to serve my community and our nation in new and meaningful ways.

As we look ahead, let us do so with the understanding that this work — our work — is bigger than any one individual. Together, we have built a solid foundation. Now, it is time to continue laying the bricks, one by one, until every student in every community has access to the high-quality education they deserve.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. And to Joel Rodriguez and the incoming CUBE Steering Committee, we are cheering you on as you lead us into the future.