Empowering School Boards. Informing Taxpayers. Serving Students

School boards were created to give local communities real control over public education—not to serve special interests or operate behind closed doors. They exist to provide local oversight, ensure accountability to taxpayers, give parents a voice, and help schools meet the unique needs of their communities. At SBMA, we work to ensure school boards are doing the job they were created to do. We train board members to govern with confidence and equip taxpayers with the knowledge to hold them accountable because education should serve the people—not the system.

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Who does SBMA Empower?

SBMA empowers bold leaders who are shaping the future of education in Virginia. Through comprehensive resources and professional development, we provide the knowledge and skills needed to drive student success, strengthen school board governance, and influence impactful educational policy.

School Board Members

Be an effective leader from day one. Gain the essential training, legal insights, and policy knowledge needed to make informed decisions that restore and protect academic excellence in your school district.

Candidates

Prepare to serve with confidence. SBMA ensures candidates are well-versed in the responsibilities, legal duties, and governance expectations of a school board member—so they are ready to lead the moment they take office.

Parents

Stay informed and engaged in your child’s education. Know your rights, understand key policies, and have a voice in the decisions that impact your family and community.

Tax Payers

Hold school boards accountable. Ensure your tax dollars support a system that prioritizes academic achievement, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.

SBMA’s Core Beliefs

SBMA stands firm in our commitment to a strong, effective education system that puts students first. We believe in equipping school board members with the knowledge and resources they need to lead with confidence, uphold academic excellence, and foster a culture of fairness and accountability. Education should be driven by student success—ensuring every child has access to a high-quality learning environment that prepares them for the future.


  • Academic Excellence & Merit-Based Education: High standards, rigorous instruction, and accountability ensure every student receives a challenging, high-quality education. Hard work and achievement should be recognized and rewarded—never compromised.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Education decisions must be guided by facts and measurable results—not ideology. School boards should dedicate at least half of every meeting to reviewing and analyzing student achievement data to ensure policies and decisions improve outcomes.
  • Transparency & Accountability: Every dollar spent in education should be focused on student success, not expanding bureaucracy. School boards must prioritize responsible budgeting, minimize waste, and ensure taxpayer dollars directly support classrooms, teachers, and academic achievement—not special interests.

  • Fair, Politics-Free Classrooms: Clear, consistently enforced policies ensure education. Students deserve a safe, unbiased environment with fair and equal discipline applied to all, free from political favoritism.

  • Strong Teachers: Support, respect, and retain high-quality educators by ensuring they have a voice in decision-making and are valued as professionals—not treated as entry-level staff by top-heavy bureaucracies. 
  • Parental Rights & School Choice: Parents have the fundamental right to be involved in their child’s education, to know what their children are learning, and to choose the best educational path—whether it’s public, private, charter, homeschool, or another option that aligns with their values and student needs.

Governor Youngkin Applauds SBMA’s Impact—Support Our Continued Growth

Governor Glenn Youngkin recently praised the School Board Members Association (SBMA) for its rapid growth and vital role in shaping the future of Virginia’s education system. As SBMA continues to lead the way in educational excellence and local control, your support is essential. Donate today to help expand our resources, training, and outreach, ensuring that more school board members can make a lasting impact on Virginia’s schools.

Make a difference—donate now.



As a board member, I’ve been attending professional development symposiums for years and this is by far the best one I’ve ever attended.
SBMA Member Testimonial
SBMA Member
Last week we had a training from the Board Attorney and those of us who are members of SBMA could respond knowledgeably to some of what we were told due to information from you all. Thank you
SBMA Testimonial
SBMA Member
First let me say you are doing an amazing job with so many new informational opportunities! I love SBMA and want to do all I can to support and grow SBMA.
SBMA Member Testimonial
SBMA Member


Meet the Team

Behind SBMA’s success is a dedicated group of professionals who are passionate about supporting school board members and improving education in Virginia. Our team brings a depth of experience, a shared commitment to excellence, and a solid understanding of the challenges facing school boards today.

Learn More About Our Team


Not a School Board Member? You Can Still Make a Difference!

SBMA’s success depends on supporters like you—those who believe in empowering school board members, protecting academic excellence, and keeping education student-focused in Virginia. By becoming a Friend of SBMA, you’ll help provide the resources, training, and advocacy needed to push back against bureaucracy, uphold common sense values, and restore accountability. Join us today to strengthen our schools and ensure every student receives a quality education!

Support SBMA’s mission today


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SBMA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering school board members and advancing excellence in education.


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