DC State Board of Education Analyst Darren Fleischer Honored with NASBE Award

Alexandria, VA—The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) is pleased to present its 2025 David A. Kysilko Award to Darren Fleischer for his dedicated service to the District of Columbia State Board of Education as a senior policy analyst since 2020.

In his role, Fleischer supports the DC state board’s members and staff by analyzing local and national education policies, serving as lead staff member on the Student Advisory Committee, and overseeing the onboarding and offboarding of state board fellows. Engaging with local and national education leaders, Fleischer provided technical expertise for the planning, production, and publishing of major state board committee projects and expert panels.

Fleischer also supports the state board’s community outreach, strengthening interagency relationships, collaborating with nonprofits, amplifying student voice in board decision-making, and gathering meaningful feedback through surveys and focus groups. Ultimately, his work has helped the board advance its vision to ensure “all D.C. students acquire the skills and knowledge to lead healthy, productive lives as engaged global citizens in a democratic society.”

“Darren is always ready to serve, wholeheartedly engaging in after-hour meetings several times per month, being available by text or by email, following up with newer members to guide their policy ambitions, and continuing to go above and beyond in helping the non–full-time state board members make a difference,” said Ryan Ting, a former DC state board student representative who nominated Fleischer for the award.

An advocate for education support professionals, Fleischer wrote the NASBE policy update “Education Support Professionals as Partners in Improving School Climate,” describing the role this sector of the education workforce can play in improving school climate by serving as caring adults and mentors to students. Before moving to Washington, DC, in 2015, Fleischer spent nearly a decade teaching middle and high school students in Japan, Ghana, and his home state of Florida.

“Darren’s dedication to elevating student voice, strengthening partnerships, and supporting board members day in and day out reflects the best of what this award honors,” said Paolo DeMaria, NASBE’s president and CEO. “We are grateful for his service and proud to recognize his many contributions to public education.”

The award will be presented during NASBE’s Annual Conference in Austin, Texas, on October 27–29, 2025. The recognition is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to NASBE values and service to state boards. It is named in honor of David Kysilko, a longtime NASBE employee who retired in 2014.

NASBE serves as the only membership organization for state boards of education. A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, NASBE elevates state board members’ voices in national and state policymaking, facilitates the exchange of informed ideas, and supports members in advancing equity and excellence in public education for students of all races, genders, and circumstances. Learn more at www.nasbe.org

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