2024 SBP Impact Report

IMPACT REPORT 2024

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

01 ABOUT US

02 MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

04 - 10 2024 IMPACT

11 EMPOWERED GOVERNANCE

12 OUR COLLECTIVE POWER

14 IN CLOSING

Mission

The mission of School Board Partners is to train, support, and re-elect diverse elected school board members across the country to lead with courage, competence, and impact.

Vision

We envision a future in which American school systems are governed by well-trained, diverse, elected leaders who leverage their power to liberate students of color and their families. These leaders re-imagine policies, partnerships, and conditions so that dynamic systems of high-quality schools emerge, improve, and endure.

About Us

School Board Partners supports elected leaders through a competitive fellowship and teaches actionable skills through a national community of practice, mentorship, and policy support. School Board Partners helps our fellows develop their skills, knowledge, and mindset to dramatically improve outcomes for historically underserved students while building their capacity and supporting their self-care.

Impact Goals Empower 2,500 leaders to champion antiracist, student-centered governance.

Transform 350 school systems, including the largest majority-minority districts.

Advance public understanding of what makes effective school board leadership and why it matters for students and communities 1

MESSAGE FROM CEO Dear Friends and Partners, This year, School Board Partners experienced a significant transition as we bid farewell to Carrie Douglass, SBP’s Co-Founder, whose leadership played a pivotal role in shaping our mission and impact. Her tireless advocacy for inclusive, effective school boards has left a lasting legacy, and I am deeply grateful for the foundation she helped build. But as we look to the future, we are not content to rest on that foundation. We are committed to pushing boundaries, breaking norms, and reimagining what is possible for school boards across the country.

As I step into the role of CEO, my vision is clear: school boards must be powerful, bold forces for equity and excellence in education. We can no longer accept systems that fail to serve all children. The status quo is broken. It's time to disrupt outdated structures and demand more from our education system—more diversity, more inclusion, and more action.

Our progress this year proves what’s possible when school boards rise to the challenge. Our largest and most diverse cohort of fellows is a testament to the growing recognition that effective boards are the backbone of a stronger education system. SBP’s annual conference, 'Our Collective Power,' brought together leaders who are pioneering new paths toward equity and innovation, sparking collaboration that will reverberate across the nation. Through our Empowered Governance framework and new partnerships, we are equipping districts to create tailored, actionable solutions for lasting change. And through our collaboration with Colorado State University – Global Campus to launch the Certificate in Empowered School Board Governance (ESBG), we’re providing the knowledge and skills needed to drive meaningful reform within boards, addressing the systemic inequalities that have long held our schools back.

This is just the beginning. We’re proving that good governance leads to equitable outcomes, and I’m determined to ensure that School Board Partners continues to drive that transformation with urgency and courage.

I invite you to read this report to see the strides we’ve made and the impact we’ve had so far—and to see where we’re headed next.

Ethan Ashley CEO and Co-Founder School Board Partners 2

OUR TEAM

Ethan Ashley

Erica Freeman

Christine Strickland

CEO & Co-Founder

Vice President of Impact

Director of Programs

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Gregory Hatcher

Marisa B. Pérez-Díaz

Board President

Board Member

Ed Williams

Jonathan Klein

Board Member

Board Member

EXPANDING OUR REACH & IMPACT OVER THE PAST 6 YEARS

we have trained

president and vice-presidents

510

88

of our fellows have served in a leadership role

school board members and candidates (includes fellowship and ocp)

our coaching has helped Fellows write or pass

impacting over

7.7 M

214

STUDENTS

POLICIES WRITEN

60

POLICIES PASSED

We are growing our national presence.

Our fellows and alumni represent districts in communities all across the country. The SBP network is spread across

120

DISTRICTS/CITIES

35 STATES

Top 5 Where fellows and alumni are located Fellowship

OCP

Cohort 6

Attendees

CA AZ MA CO DE MI OH PA

TX CA DE MA MI MN PA

This year our work reached the following states for the first time: Idaho, Massachusetts, South Dakota, Vermont

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Elected Fellows & Alumni This year, 42 SBP members ran for re-election to their school boards, with 40 successfully securing their seats—a remarkable 95.24% success rate.

Additionally, two of our fellows expanded their leadership influence by winning higher offices, securing two state House of Representatives seats

TESTIMONIALS

I’ve attended SBP program s and right aw noticed the d ay ifference it m a d e in my leadership and advocacy for the studen ts in my Distr ict.

This feels like a family reunion!

Having t his comm unity ha s made a ll the differenc e.

rience I e p x e l a i c ost benefi m e h t y l ember. p m m i d s r s a i o s i b Th s a school a e n i g a can im

This is a space th at challe servant nges me leader a to be a b nd I leav etter e with thi implem n g s that I ca ent imm n ediately !

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POLICY FOCUS ON THE ISSUES In 2024, we focused on supporting our fellows to pass policies and make meaningful progress on some of the top issues impacting students nationwide. We were proud to see so many fellows and alumni tackling big problems using strong governance, data-driven decision making, and an equity focus.

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28% 5 year passing rate

Restoring and Elevating Academic Performance SBP has prioritized supporting districts in achieving and surpassing pre-pandemic academic performance levels. Two standout districts have demonstrated remarkable success: Tempe Union School District (Phoenix, AZ) Orleans Parish School Board (New Orleans, LA) Both districts not only returned to pre-COVID academic performance levels but have exceeded those benchmarks, setting a new standard for academic excellence postpandemic. Their achievements highlight the impact of strategic governance and evidence-based policies in overcoming pandemic-driven learning challenges.

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Right-Sizing School Districts Amid Enrollment Declines Declining student enrollment has posed unprecedented financial challenges for districts nationwide, often necessitating difficult decisions about school closures to ensure sustainability. SBP supported two districts that successfully navigated this process by passing and implementing school closure policies: San Antonio Independent School District (San Antonio, TX) Denver Public Schools (Denver, CO) These districts addressed these challenges through thoughtful planning and equitable decision-making, ensuring that resources are better aligned with student needs and fiscal realities.

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POLICY 3

Addressing the Literacy and Numeracy Crisis Tackling post-pandemic learning loss in literacy and numeracy remains a critical priority for districts across the country. SBP supported the Douglas County School System (Douglasville, GA), which led the way by passing comprehensive Literacy and High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) policies. These initiatives ensure students have access to the tools and instruction needed to build foundational skills and close learning gaps effectively.

CELEBRATING OUR POLICY WINS

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Name

District

Policy Wins

Jasmin Ramirez (C3)

Roaring Fork School District

Equity Audit Resolution

Ashley Esposito (C6)

Baltimore City Public Schools

CEO Contract Extension, Superintendent Search Launch

Dr. Shonda Harris-Muhammed (C6)

Richmond Public Schools

Restraint and Seclusion, School Lunch, Bylaws Revisions

Shelley Jackson (C5)

Roosevelt Elementary School District

Board Evaluation

Dawn Marie Johnson (C6)

Sioux Falls School District

Board Professional Development

Ben Lindy (C4)

Cincinnati Public Schools

Superintendent Evaluation

Shanika Perry Dickerson (C6)

Brandywine School District

Equity Committee

Alethea Smith-Tucker (C6)

Christina School District

Syllabi Policy

Kim Sia (C6)

Denver Public Schools

Board Budget

Michelle Quattlebaum (C4)

Denver Public Schools

Board Community Engagement

Marlene De La Rosa (C6)

Denver Public Schools

Public Comment

STORIES OF SUCCESS Rebuilding Culture & Centering Student Outcomes in Denver Public Schools In January 2024, School Board Partners (“SBP”) facilitated a two-day retreat for the Denver Public Schools (“DPS”) Board of Education. With three newly elected members and a recent history of conflict that had eroded public confidence in the board’s ability to govern, this was a pivotal opportunity to reset the governance culture and support the new board to become more productive and student focused. During the retreat, SBP focused on building relational and tactical competencies of the board, which helped to create a new relational culture and skills focused on advancing student focused outcomes. The facilitation included powerful reflections on past practices of the board, including targeted review of video clips of past meetings, and supported the board to commit to better aligning its governance

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practices with best practices and its policies and ideals. The retreat was highly rated by participants, with 100% ranking the experience an 8 / 10 or higher, and average overall satisfaction rating of 9.4 / 10. One board member commented “thank you for being awesome facilitators. Your vulnerability and willingness to push us is very appreciated.”

The success of the retreat catalyzed the launch of long-term governance coaching and policy development support from SBP. As a result of SBP’s unique approach – featuring tailored coaching, consistent support, and a focus on equity – the Denver Board made significant strides over the last year.

SBP Support

Board Outcomes

Monthly Board Meeting Observations

Improved Governance Practices

Governance Coaching

Smooth Charter Renewals

Policy Development

Cultural Reset

STORIES OF SUCCESS (Cont.)

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Key Policy Reforms implemented by the Denver School Board in 2024: Board Community Engagement Policy (June 2024): Requires annual plans for community townhalls and feedback monitoring.

School Consolidation and Closure Policy (June 2024): Guardrails for closures; prioritizes student enrollment into choice schools.

Public Comment Policy (First Reading Oct. 2024): Clear procedures, translation services, and virtual access for public comments.

Board Budget Policy (Second Reading Oct. 2024): Financial transparency and professional development for board members.

Transforming Governance and Student Outcomes in Tempe Union High School District In April 2023, Tempe Union High School District (TUHSD) began implementing the Empowered Governance model with guidance from School Board Partners (SBP). Over the next 18 months, SBP facilitated a full-day board retreat, virtual study sessions, and personalized 1:1 coaching, leading to transformative reforms and measurable outcomes.

Key accomplishments include: Revised governance policies aligned with Empowered Governance principles.

A district-wide performance data audit to identify key improvement areas.

Board-adopted annual goals prioritizing the progress of historically marginalized student groups.

A revised superintendent evaluation process tied to student outcomes.

A data monitoring calendar for continuous performance oversight.

An annual board self-evaluation to refine governance practices.

By the end of the 2023-24 school year, TUHSD achieved an unprecedented milestone— every school in the district earned an “A” rating from the state, marking the first time in district history.

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COHORT 6 HIGHLIGHT 100

MEMBERS ACCEPTED (LARGEST COHORT TO DATE)

2.2M STUDENTS REPRESENTED

Type of District

District Representation

Urban

Suburban

Rural

Combo/Other Combo/Other 9 Rural 4

42 (43%) are districts where SBP has alumni presence 56 (57%) are new districts to SBP 16 districts have 2+ members in Cohort 6 37% of Cohort 6 is in the fellowship with a board colleague

Generation

Urban 55

Suburban 30

Demographics

Racial Identity

(Average Age 42)

80% are People of Color

Boomer Gen Z Gen Z 9

Gen X

Racial Identity

Millennial

American Indian, Alaska Native, or Hawaiian…

Asian or Pacific Islander

Unknown

Black or African-American

Boomer 6

Bi/Multi-Racial Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish Origin White White 20

Asian or Pacific Islander 13

Gen X 40

Millennial 40

Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish Origin 18

Bi/Multi-Racial 1

10

Black or African-American 40

EMPOWERED GOVERNANCE

SM

+ New Offerings

NEW POLICIES ADDED

High Quality Instructional Material: This policy seeks to reinforce alignment of district practices with research-based best practices regarding selection and implementation of instructional materials.

Literacy: This policy provides minimum guidelines that ensure best practices in literacy instruction are implemented across the district, and provides accountability structures for ensuring all students are on the path to strong literacy outcomes.

If you’re interested in one of these new policies or learning more about the Empowered Governance Toolkit, reach out to us here!

Labor Relations: This policy stipulates the Board’s minimum expectations regarding collective bargaining agreements and processes as they pertain to potential impacts on students, especially those who have been historically marginalized.

New in 2025: CSU Graduate Certificate: Through a collaboration with School Board Partners and Colorado State University – Global Campus, the Certificate in Empowered School Board Governance (ESBG) trains participants with the foundational knowledge and transferable skills to guide local advocates, community members, district leaders and government officials on how to advocate for and implement meaningful reform within school boards.

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New Report:

Webinar Series:

Stay tuned for SBP’s 2025 report, Fulfilling Promises: What America’s School Boards Actually Need to Succeed, which will provide a blueprint for school board members, policymakers, and anyone else that cares about the future of our students, no matter where they are in their school board journey.

SBP’s quarterly webinar series will be focused on the key policies we've developed in collaboration with our fellows and leading experts in the field.

Our Collective Power 190

attendees

85% of attendees were school board members 33% have served in a board leadership role

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91.6

states represented

NPS Score

4 M Students $62B in public education funds managed

95% of attendees rated their overall experience as a 9 or 10 Increased the number of sessions, networking, and self-care opportunities

!

E T A D E H SAVE T 29

states represented

OCP 2025 will be held in Scottsdale, Arizona from July 11-13.

Scan here to get updates on our OCP 2025 date & location!

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Hear from OCP attendees:

“The network building done and to be done with you all is inspiring. You all are sending me back home, ready to double down and dig in because our babies deserve everything and they deserve it NOW. Thank you OCP.”

“My spirit was fed, my soul was filled, my mind was stimulated, my heart is full, and my political will was challenged. The perfect foundation for MORE.” “The networking is beyond anything I have seen in my life. Love connecting with like minded folks and dreaming about how we can do better for kids.“

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IN CLOSING A Vision for the Future As we step into a new chapter at School Board Partners, I am filled with optimism and determination. The challenges we face in public education are significant, yet they present an opportunity for transformation. Our work this year has laid the foundation for a future where school boards are equipped to lead with purpose, equity, and innovation, which is vital at a time of growing threats to democracy and public education.

SBP’s mission has never been more critical because we know that governance—when done right—can be the most powerful tool for equity and excellence. Across the country, school boards committed to good governance, and supported with the necessary training, coaching, and resources, are showing us what’s possible. They are proving that when boards focus on equity, students, especially those from marginalized communities, thrive.

That’s why, in the face of so many challenges, we are focused on expanding our impact by embracing a state-based organizing model that will allow us to build stronger connections with local communities and school boards. Looking ahead, we are committed to growth and sustainability through the following key initiatives:

Expand Reach: Our state and regional organizing approach will allow us to deepen community engagement, enhance the quality of our services, and streamline recruitment for our national fellowship and governance certification programs. This will ensure that more school board members are prepared to lead effectively and with purpose.

Self-Sufficiency: By enhancing our operational efficiencies and expanding our consulting services, we will be better positioned to serve school boards nationwide. This will allow us to increase our capacity, while ensuring that our impact is both far-reaching and sustainable.

Showcase Our Impact: We will highlight the influence of SBP through impact videos, webinars, case studies, reports, and potentially a governance book. These tools will help us share our success stories, document our progress, and continue to refine our approach to governance reform.

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Strategic Partnerships: We are focused on forming new partnerships that bring additional resources, visibility, and funding to our mission. By aligning with organizations and funders who share our vision, we will be able to expand our reach and deepen the impact of our work.

This is our moment to scale and make real, lasting change because we cannot afford to wait. Too many young people are being failed by a system that doesn’t prioritize them. We know that when school boards take bold action, they can transform not only individual districts but entire regions. They can turn around districts plagued by systemic inequality, build trust where it has been shattered, and ensure that a relentless focus on student success drives every decision made at the board table—and SBP plans to be there every step of the way.

Our goal is to become the leading governance training and development organization for school boards in the U.S. We envision that our work will not only address the needs of today but also set the stage for a future where school boards act as bridges, welcoming and scaling innovative policies, resource allocation, and programs that serve all students. We are committed to ensuring that school boards are enablers of progress, creating environments where every decision is rooted in fairness, accountability, and opportunity for all.

Together, we will create a public education system that works for all students, with school boards leading the charge for equity and innovation. SBP is ready to take the next step. Join us as we empower school boards to build a better future for our students and our communities.

In community, Ethan

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“It was affirming to be in rooms with other elected people who are doing this work for the right reasons; to know that, as hard as this work is, I have mentorship and support.”

Thank you to our funders whose support helps us realize this impact.

Connect with us online

schoolboardpartners.org