The Power to Change The Board Room
Message from Ethan
Election season is here, and while headlines may be focused elsewhere, I want to remind us that the races that often matter the most to our daily lives—state, local, and you guessed it, school board elections—are the ones that rarely make national news. These are the leaders who decide how our schools operate, how resources are shared, and whose voices are heard.
Real leadership isn’t loud or performative—it is principled, rooted in fairness, and steady when no one’s watching. As we approach November 4, let’s lift up community-driven candidates, especially leaders of color who aren’t usually amplified, who know what it means to move through systems not built for them and yet still lead with vision and grace—something like this can be fixed.
At School Board Partners, we are committed to uplifting more people to step into this kind of leadership, no matter the time of year their election takes place. Join us for our upcoming webinar, From Passion to Power: How to Run for School Board and Win with Purpose, with Justin McCorkle—this will be a hands-on session for anyone ready to turn conviction into action!
Our democracy depends on leaders who don’t wait for permission to change—they step up and do the work. This election season and beyond, let’s show up for these leaders, and for one another. Let’s write the next chapter together.
In partnership,
Ethan Ashley
Stories of Impact: Docu-Series Episode 3 of Impact from the Board: Howard County Board of Education (MD)
Our third and final episode from our docu-series, Impact from the Board, features SBP member and Howard County Board of Education member Antonia Watts. In 2019, Antonia made a bold move by leaving her career as a car safety engineer to save lives in the classroom. With her unique blend of technical expertise and passion for equity, she stepped up during a pivotal moment for her district.
Seeing that many families felt unheard, Antonia introduced the SBP superintendent evaluation tool to connect policy to practice. This tool helped align budgets with student needs, foster transparency, and rebuild trust between families and district leaders. Her story shows how accountability, empathy, and innovation can come together to drive lasting change in public education.
Announcements & Events
November 13 Webinar: From Passion to Power
Are you ready to turn your passion into power? Join SBP and Justin McCorkle (formerly of Leaders for Color) for an energizing, practical webinar, From Passion to Power: How to Run for School Board with Purpose.
This interactive session will help you understand the role of a school board member, analyze your district’s needs, and build a campaign rooted in values, strategy, and impact. You’ll gain real tools—from mastering campaign logistics to crafting your “why”—and the inspiration to run with confidence, authenticity, and purpose. Note: There is a $26 fee to join this webinar to celebrate and empower anyone in the SBP community who wants to run for office in 2026!
Be the Change: Apply for the SBP Fellowship Cohort 8
Don’t wait for change, be the change—applications for School Board Partner’s Fellowship Cohort 8 close on October 31!
SBP Fellows receive personalized support through mentorship and coaching on policy, politicking, and budgeting, as well as professional development in four areas of critical competency: good governance, student-centered strategies, personal leadership, and self care. SBP’s Fellowship not only ensures members are prepared to lead with both head and heart, it also connects you to fellow board members from across the country to learn from and problem solve beside.
SBP Membership: Lead Boldly—We’ve Got Your Back
Our strength as school board leaders is amplified when we learn and grow alongside each other—SBP’s Membership connects you to a nationwide network of peers, resources, and coaching designed to help you lead with confidence and purpose. Whether you’re just getting started or are a seasoned board member, membership offers practical tools, meaningful connections, and the support you need to drive change in your community.
Our membership means you don’t have to navigate the challenges of school governance alone; you’ll gain access to expert guidance, shared learning, and trusted colleagues walking the same path. You deserve a strong community and the right strategies to make a lasting impact.
What We’re Reading
Who’s on Board? School Boards and Political Representation in an Age of Conflict (Fordham Institute)
This new report from the Fordham Institute offers a comprehensive look at who serves on America’s school boards and how well they reflect the communities they represent. The study finds that while school board members’ political identities closely mirror the general public’s, they tend to be whiter, more educated, and more likely to have backgrounds in education. Although alignment between boards and constituents is strong on polarizing cultural issues, it is weaker when it comes to school quality, choice, and unions, raising questions about how local governance can stay responsive to student needs.
When School Board Elections Lose Their Voice (Education Next)
In this article, author Anna J. Egalite examines new research that challenges the democratic ideal of local school governance. Analyzing election data from 16 states between 2002 and 2017, the study finds that most school board contests are uncontested, voter turnout is often below 10 percent, and turnover usually stems from retirements rather than voter dissatisfaction. Additionally, the research finds little evidence that poor student outcomes lead to electoral consequences, suggesting a weak link between performance and accountability. The findings raise hard questions about whether local control truly represents democratic responsiveness, or if it has become symbolic with interest groups like teachers unions holding disproportionate influence in low-engagement elections.