FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 17, 2025

Contact: David Hoyt, Executive Director, School Boards for Academic Excellence, david@sbaenetwork.org  

Chicago, IL – School Boards for Academic Excellence Celebrates the Launch of “8 Things to Know about Running for School Board”. 

School Boards for Academic Excellence (SBAE) applauds the release of 8 Things to Know about Running for School Board, a groundbreaking new book authored by Kansas Policy Institute (KPI) CEO Dave Trabert, with contributions from communications expert Melanie Sturm, and co-published by SBAE. This essential guide empowers school board candidates and members with actionable insights to elevate student outcomes and drive meaningful change in education.

Despite the dedication of America’s teachers, troubling statistics reveal persistent challenges in student achievement. According to the latest scores from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, often called “the nation’s scorecard,” only 26% of America’s eighth graders scored proficient or better in math and only 31% did so in reading.

Trabert emphasizes that reversing these trends requires proactive leadership at the school board level. “Student outcomes will only improve when adult behaviors change. This book equips school board members with the tools and strategies needed to take decisive action,” says Trabert.

The book offers a comprehensive roadmap for school board candidates and members, featuring lessons on:

● Mastering the analysis of student achievement data to set actionable priorities.

● Communicating effectively to build consensus and drive change.

● Gaining a clear understanding of school funding basics and aligning budgets with academic goals.

● Fostering collaboration with teachers to drive necessary reforms.

David Hoyt, Executive Director of SBAE, highlights the universal value of the book: “This is a must-read for school board members and candidates in all 50 states. Its lessons transcend political boundaries and focus on what truly matters—improving student outcomes.”

SBAE, a national capacity-building organization for state-based groups like the KPI-affiliated Kansas School Board Resource Center, is proud to co-publish this critical resource. The book’s release is part of a broader effort to empower school board members to lead with clarity, purpose, and effectiveness.

“Every student deserves the chance to succeed, and it starts with school board leaders who prioritize student achievement,” says Hoyt. For more information on 8 Things to Know about Running for School Board and SBAE’s ongoing initiatives, visit www.SBAENetwork.org or contact David Hoyt at david@sbaenetwork.org.

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