The Policy Hour Series is designed to equip school board members with the tools and knowledge they need to stay informed and engaged in the fast-changing world of federal education policy. This webinar series is an exclusive member benefit. Click here to learn more about NSBA's membership programs.

Upcoming Session:

The Policy Hour — June 30 | 2 p.m.

What's Happening in Congress This Summer? A Conversation with Congressman Mark Takano

Congress is entering a pivotal summer as lawmakers debate federal education funding, workforce priorities, school choice proposals, student support programs, and the future role of the federal government in public education. What do these developments mean for local school boards and the students they serve?

Join The Policy Hour for an exclusive and interactive conversation with Congressman Mark Takano as he discusses the latest activity on Capitol Hill and the issues shaping the federal education landscape. Hosted by Dr. Phelton C. Moss, NSBA's Government Relations Lead, this intimate discussion will provide school board leaders with timely insights into congressional priorities headed into this year’s budget cycle, legislative developments as it relates to the FY 27 federal budget, and emerging policy debates as it relates to the dismantling of the USDOE that could impact public schools nationwide.

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear directly from Congressman Takano and participate in a live question-and-answer session, where NSBA members can ask questions and engage in a candid dialogue about the future of public education policy.

Whether you are tracking federal funding, educator workforce initiatives, student opportunity programs, or broader legislative trends, this conversation will help school board leaders stay informed and prepared for the months ahead.

Bring your questions and join us for this members-only conversation from Capitol Hill.

Guests: Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39)

Moderator: Dr. Phelton C. Moss, National School Boards Association/ Virginia Commonwealth University

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Past Sessions:

The Policy Hour — 5.26.26

Teachers as Leaders — A Conversation with Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) on the Teachers Are Leaders Act

Teachers play a critical role not only in educating students, but also in shaping school culture, mentoring peers, and driving meaningful school improvement. Join The Policy Hour for an engaging panel discussion on the bipartisan Teachers Are Leaders Act featuring special guest Brad Schneider, author of the legislation. 

The discussion will explore how the Teachers Are Leaders Act seeks to expand leadership opportunities for educators while allowing them to remain in the classroom. Panelists will examine how the legislation could strengthen teacher retention, support professional growth, build stronger mentorship systems for new educators, and create sustainable pathways for instructional leadership in schools. (Congressman Brad Schneider) 

Congressman Schneider will share insights into the vision behind the bill, the bipartisan effort to advance educator leadership, and the role school boards and district leaders can play in supporting teachers as catalysts for student success. The panel will also discuss broader implications for educator workforce development and building stronger public schools through empowered teacher leadership. 

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The Policy Hour — 4.28.26

Expanding, Strengthening, and Retaining the Educator Workforce — Federal, State, and Local Solutions

Across the country, school systems are facing persistent and uneven educator workforce challenges that threaten student outcomes and long-term system stability. Addressing teacher shortages — particularly in high-poverty schools, rural communities, and special education classrooms — requires coordinated action across all levels of government.

Join us to examine how federal, state, and local policy levers can be aligned to expand, strengthen, and retain a diverse, high-quality educator workforce.

The webinar will explore the root causes of educator shortages, including burnout, compensation challenges, working conditions, and limited access to high-quality preparation pathways. Discussion will center on how federal policy can serve as a catalyst — supporting recruitment, preparation, and retention — while reinforcing the critical role of state systems and local governance in implementation.

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The Policy Hour — 3.24.26

What's Happening in Congress

Congress is advancing major bills, conducting oversight hearings as it relates to returning education back to the states, and signaling new national priorities, like repealing the federal voucher tax credit. Join Dr. Phelton C. Moss, NSBA’s Managing Director for Legal and Advocacy, for this month’s edition of The Policy Hour. This session will focus on the latest developments coming out of Congress and what they mean for school board members nationwide.

This briefing is designed to provide school board members with clear, timely, and actionable insights into federal activity on Capitol Hill. We will break down recent congressional developments, track movement on key education-related legislation, and highlight emerging trends shaping the national policy landscape.

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The Policy Hour — 2.24.26

Governing Artificial Intelligence in K–12 Education — Federal, State, and Local Policy Levers 

Education leaders, legal experts, and policy advocates examined:

  • Federal levers, including congressional activity, federal funding and appropriations, civil rights enforcement, student data privacy expectations, procurement guidance, and emerging national AI frameworks
  • State levers, such as legislation, regulations, statewide guidance, procurement rules, and alignment with state standards and accountability systems
  • Local levers, including board policy adoption, superintendent oversight, vendor contracts, implementation guardrails, community engagement, and alignment with district values 

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The Policy Hour — 12.2.25

50 Years of IDEA: Navigating One of the Biggest Shifts in Its History
Education leaders, legal experts, and policy advocates examined: 

  • What the proposed change means for school districts, students with disabilities, and families 

  • How the shift could impact compliance, funding, and enforcement of federal protections 

  • Key legal and governance questions surrounding IDEA’s future under a different federal agency 

  • The potential implications on equity, access, and school board decision-making 

  • Advocacy strategies to ensure that the original intent of IDEA—providing every child with a free, appropriate public education—remains intact 

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The Policy Hour — 10.28.25

Navigating the Federal Voucher Program: Implications for Public Education and School Board Advocacy
With several states already opting into the program and the U.S. Treasury Department set to initiate formal rulemaking in 2027, local boards of education are facing urgent questions about oversight, transparency, and accountability. Panelists shared insights on how school boards can proactively engage in advocacy efforts, ensure public accountability, and protect the integrity of public education amid this shifting policy environment.  

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The Policy Hour — 9.30.25
This inaugural session introduced NSBA’s new Managing Director of Government Relations, Dr. Phelton Moss, and provided members with timely updates on the federal budget process as Congress worked toward the Sept. 30 deadline.

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