Each January, NASBE begins a new year of providing exceptional professional services and development to state board across the nation. Study groups, committee participation and board service guide the work and reflect the hands on approach the membership takes in the running of NASBE. During the weekend of January 25-26, 2008, ninety six board members from thirty two states convened in Alexandria, Virginia to begin the work of the association for another year. Their passion for the work is as strong as ever despite the challenges they continue to face as lay education leaders.

The Board of Directors faces a number of issues this year including the construction of a new five year strategic plan to guide the association. Additionally, NASBE will consider a new technology plan to facilitate a connection with every State Board of Education in the nation. The two study groups, one on Career Technical Education and the other on Middle Schools will contribute to NASBE’s comprehensive view of what an effective secondary education experience looks like for every student in the United States. The Governmental Affairs Committee will continue to track the progress, or lack of progress on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, also know as the No Child Left Behind Act as well as other pieces of education legislation that are critical to the work of State Boards.

Regardless of what aspect of NASBE’s work these individuals participate in this year, we applaud them for their commitment to the promise they made to the nation’s students when they accepted a nomination or were elected to their State Boards of Education. These individuals promised to do the best possible job for every child, despite the sacrifice of time, the lack of appreciation or understanding for the work they do and the role they play in the education policy arena. They have taken the promise beyond the borders of their respective states and embraced the value of collaboration and networking for achieving results. To these members and to all state board members we thank you for your participation in NASBE and look forward to a great year.

Brenda Lilienthal Welburn

Executive Director