Mariachi Bonito Tech-Alitlan--representing Fox Tech’s campus in San Antonio Independent School District--performs at NSBA's 2026 Annual Conference
The 2026 NSBA Annual Conference gathered thousands of school board members and other education leaders in San Antonio from April 10–12 to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing public education today. The event served as a powerful advocacy platform, headlined by NSBA’s “Stand Up 4 Public Schools” campaign.
During the general sessions, NSBA leadership emphasized the unique and vital role of local governance. NSBA Executive Director and CEO Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs delivered a stirring call to action, reminding attendees that “school boards are the last common ground in our democracy.” She urged members to rise up for public education, emphasizing that local leadership is the primary defense for student opportunity.
This sentiment was echoed by NSBA 2025-26 President Devin Sheehan, who characterized the gathering as a “mission-critical huddle” designed to help leaders quiet the noise of modern politics and “future-proof our governance” through proactive policy and collaboration.
In his inaugural address as NSBA 2026-27 President, Leonard Lockhart shared his journey from the Hartford housing projects to the NSBA presidency, emphasizing that public education must be the engine that prepares every child for their “next chapter.” He called for a unified voice in Washington to protect federal funding, asserting that the collective work of school boards is to ensure students and educators find the genius, justice, and joy within their educational process.
The keynote sessions featured a powerhouse lineup that challenged attendees to rethink leadership and the future of the classroom. Deborah Norville shared her “Power of Respect” philosophy on transforming school board culture through civility, while Brandon P. Fleming illustrated how high expectations can rewrite the narrative for underserved students.
Closing the event, Zack Kass provided a visionary look at how the artificial intelligence revolution can empower educators.
Click here to access photos from NSBA’s Annual Conference, including professional headshots that attendees took in the NSBA Exhibit Hall.