February 21, 2025
The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) has been awarded the 2025 National School Boards Association (NSBA) Leading Edge Award for its innovative approach to professional development for school board members. Presented at NSBA’s Leadership Seminar in Washington, D.C., this prestigious award recognizes state school board associations for programs that advance public education through coordinated advocacy, strategic partnerships, and essential support for local school boards.
CABE earned this recognition for its innovative partnership with the Connecticut State Department of Education, which launched a comprehensive professional development program aligned with CABE’s mission: To assist local and regional boards of education in providing high-quality public education for all Connecticut children through effective leadership. The professional development program reflects the strong partnership between CABE and the State Department of Education. The state agency entered into a contract with CABE to provide training for newly elected members of local and regional boards of education, as required by state legislation, effective July 1, 2023.
“I am proud of the partnership with the Connecticut Department of Education that provided the support to enhance the professional development we deliver to board members. CABE is now recognized at both the state and national level as the premier provider of services to board members,” said CABE Executive Director and General Counsel Patrice McCarthy.
Elements of CABE’s enhanced professional development initiative include:
- Customized professional development sessions for individual school boards;
- A webinar series on school finance delivered in collaboration with the Connecticut Association of School Business Officials;
- A webinar series for board chairs and monthly board chair virtual check-ins;
- A mentorship program providing individual leadership development, support sessions, and consultations to current board chairs upon request.
- A workshop to New England school board association leaders, highlighting the program’s impact. The strong interest from attendees suggests its potential for adoption by other state associations."
“I’m delighted to award the 2025 Leading Edge Award to the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education for its innovative programs to strengthen public education,” said NSBA Executive Director and CEO Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs. “CABE’s commitment to equipping school board members with high-quality professional development and leadership training exemplifies the power of collaboration between state agencies and education leaders. Their work sets a standard for supporting school boards in ways that directly benefit students, schools, and communities.”