governance
CSBA Past President Frank Pugh starts term as NSBA President
Santa Rosa City Schools Trustee and CSBA Past President Frank Pugh was elected President of the National School Boards Association earlier this month at the organization’s annual conference in San Antonio, Texas. In addition to his 28 years as a school board member and his 2010 CSBA presidency, Pugh has served on the NSBA’s Board of Directors since 2011.
“Knowing Frank as a colleague on CSBA’s Board of Directors, I can confidently say that NSBA will benefit from his diverse experience, strong educator’s viewpoint, consistent leadership and dogged advocacy for public schools,” said CSBA President Mike Walsh.

“It’s both comforting and inspiring to know that a native of California who is a longtime educator and passionate advocate for our public schools has been elected NSBA President,” added CSBA CEO & Executive Director Vernon M. Billy. “We look forward to bringing a California perspective to the national stage.”

NSBA President Frank Pugh and CSBA CEO and Executive Director Vernon M. Billy
Santa Rosa City Schools Trustee and NSBA President Frank Pugh (center) with his wife Ann, Santa Rosa City Schools Superintendent Diann Kitamura and the Santa Rosa City Schools Board of Education
Pugh’s long history of public service and advocacy for public education made him an ideal candidate for NSBA President. At a reception CSBA held in his honor during NSBA’s annual conference, colleagues from across the nation described Pugh as someone who looks at the issues fairly, makes strong decisions and “truly cares” about kids.

“Frank is a builder — he is good at working with people,” said CSBA Vice President Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez. “People believe in him, and he believes in them.”

President Mike Walsh, Frank Pugh and President-elect Emma Turner
“I feel that [California is] very much ahead of the game when it comes to equity in our classrooms, and given our funding formula, we are seeing real improvements in student progress.” said Pugh in an interview with California Schools magazine. “NSBA is actively addressing this issue as well. As president of the organization, I’ll be doing what all board members do with their boards — we listen carefully to other perspectives, we listen carefully to other states and their experiences, and we try to incorporate those best practices and productive ideas.” Read the full interview in the spring edition of California Schools.
Micah Ali re-elected as chair of NSBA’s Council of Urban Boards of Education
Micah Ali, president of the Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees and NSBA director, was unanimously re-elected Chair of NSBA’s Council of Urban Boards of Education at the San Antonio conference. This will be Ali’s second term leading the council, which is focused on addressing issues impacting urban schools.

“We have made tremendous inroads this past year due to the dedication and commitment of our CUBE membership and leadership — a truly stellar group of professionals who are passionate about equity and access in education,” said Ali. “I fully expect 2018–19 to bring great triumphs on behalf of students in urban schools, inclusive of students with disabilities and am looking forward to serving them another year.”

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