American School Board Journal: August 2025

This issue’s cover story, “Monitoring for Quality,” by Jill Buck, founder and CEO of the Go Green Initiative, looks at how school districts large and small are working through challenges when monitoring air quality in their buildings. Also in the issue: A look at the continuing opioid epidemic, its impact on children and teens, and interventions that district leaders can take to save lives; new CUBE chair Joel Rodriguez discusses staying engaged and fighting for all our children; and futurist Ravi Hutheesing on helping students of today learn to pivot for success tomorrow. 

August 2025 ASBJ Cover: A close-up of a young woman with her eyes closed and her hands on her chest

PHOTO CREDIT: DIEGO CERVO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

LEADERSHIP

Leadership Matters: Championing public education
In a call to action, NSBA Executive Director and CEO Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs invites school board members everywhere to partner with NSBA in the critical work of ensuring that public schools have the resources, leadership, and legislative support necessary to serve each student in each community.

President's Perspective: Lead with vision, courage, and purpose
In his first column as NSBA president, Devin Sheehan discusses NSBA’s purpose — providing a voice in our nation’s capital on behalf of school board members during this critical crossroads for public education. 

FEATURES

Monitoring for Quality
School districts large and small face challenges when monitoring air quality in their buildings. 

Are Schools Preparing for an Overdose?
The opioid epidemic continues to take the lives of children and teens. School leaders can play a role in preventing these deaths. 

Expanding Access to Advanced Placement
Houston Independent School District’s focus on equitable access to rigorous coursework created results, writes former Superintendent Terry B. Grier 

Ready. Set. Govern!
Connecticut Association of Boards of Education earns the Leading Edge Award for its innovative approach to board development.

The Power of Choice
U.S. Army veteran and four-time Paralympian Melissa Stockwell brings her message of perseverance to school board members at NSBA’s annual conference. 

Preparing Students for an Unpredictable Future
Students of today must pivot for tomorrow, says futurist Ravi Hutheesing.

TRENDS
NSBA’s 2025-26 Board of Directors

Book Review: What Goes Unspoken

Q&A with The Bacon Brothers

URBAN ADVOCATE
Keep Fighting for the Same Goal
From the boxing ring to the boardroom, the new CUBE Steering Committee chair brings his leadership skills to the role.

SOUNDBOARD
Research: Defining High-Quality Instructional Materials for Math
School leaders should focus on 10 key areas to strengthen the selection and use of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM).

Equity: Pathways of Promise
Texas districts increased the number of students taking middle school algebra, giving them a better chance for success in college and beyond.

School Law: Rethinking Student Discipline
School districts must balance meaningful outcomes with community safety. 

ONLINE ONLY
Be the Change: How School Leaders Can Support Students in Foster Care, Adoption, and Kinship Placement