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Chicago Board of Education Members Earn Nationally Recognized Certification in Effective Board Governance

October 5, 2026

The National School Boards Association (NSBA), a nonpartisan national organization dedicated to equity and excellence in public education, offers a nationally recognized Board Governance Certification for school board leaders and district executives. Grounded in The Key Work of School Boards, the program provides research-based training focused on effective governance, accountability, and leadership in public education.

The following members of the Chicago Board of Education (Board) earned the NSBA Board Governance certificate: 

  • Board President Sean B. Harden 

  • Board Member Ed Bannon Dist. 1A; 

  • Board Member Jennifer Custer, Dist. 1B; 

  • Board Member Ebony DeBerry, Dist. 2A; and 

  • Board Member Debby Pope, Dist. 2B. 

The Board also congratulates Chicago Public Schools Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King on completing her NSBA certification.

"Our highest priority is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with local leadership teams as they do the critical work of transforming public education,” said Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs, Executive Director and CEO of the National School Boards Association (NSBA). “By completing NSBA's Governance Certificate Program, Chicago Public Schools is one of the first school districts in the nation to take this deep dive into effective governance. The board, superintendent, and staff have demonstrated a genuine commitment to continuous improvement, establishing clear goals and holding themselves accountable every step of the way to drive real, lasting success for students."

This accomplishment reflects their commitment to continuous improvement and to advancing effective school board governance on behalf of Chicago's students, families, and communities. Through the comprehensive certification program, participants completed intensive training focused on governance best practices, strategic leadership, equity-centered decision-making, elevating student and community voice, and data-informed governance to build a stronger foundation for long-term organizational success.

This effort was part of a broader governance initiative established by President Harden to strengthen Board effectiveness and promote informed, student-centered decision-making at no additional cost to the Board or District, thanks to the Crown Family Foundation

The participants’ successful completion of the NSBA certification program reflects a shared investment in strong, forward-thinking  leadership that benefits the students and families of Chicago Public Schools.

About the Board

The Chicago Board of Education (Board), founded in 1840, is responsible for the governance, organizational, and financial oversight of Chicago Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in the United States. The Board establishes policies, standards, goals, and initiatives to ensure accountability and provide a high quality, world-class education for the 21st century that prepares our students for success in college, work, and life. Visit CPSBOE.org/about/bios to read Board Members’ bios.

About NSBA

Founded in 1940, NSBA’s purpose is to ensure each student everywhere has access to excellent and equitable public education governed by high-performing school board leaders and supported by the community. NSBA is a nonpartisan national organization dedicated to equity and excellence in public education. Its foundational resource, “The Key Work of School Boards” provides a research-backed, data-driven framework to help boards build capacity, strengthen governance, and drive sustainable improvement across school districts.

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