About the WASB
The Wisconsin Association of School Boards is dedicated to serving as an advocate for education and students. The nonprofit, member-driven organization seeks to advance the interests of public education through supporting the tradition of local school board control.
WASB membership includes Wisconsin public school boards and Cooperative Educational Service Agencies. The association is governed by a 15-member board of directors, with rules laid out by the WASB Bylaws. The association’s 2024-25 condensed budget is available here.
Watch WASB 101, released in May 2025, to learn more about who the WASB is, how we support Wisconsin school boards and how we can work together to advance public education and student achievement.
Services and Member Benefits
To fulfill our role as public education advocates, the WASB:
- Offers an array of services that address current and emerging local needs.
- Enhances board governance through innovative training and leadership activities.
- Enhances advocacy on issues affecting public education by informing members.
- Collaborates with other organizations.
Click here for a full guide to member benefits. Looking for a place to start? Visit our new school board member landing page to find resources to facilitate your membership and learning.
The WASB’s team of experts range in skills from advocacy, leadership development and board governance, legal, policy and communications. Review the At Your Service Brochure for an overview of services and products. The WASB can customize a response to a district’s unique needs and requirements. Check out the highlights of WASB’s services in 2023-24 in our Report to the Membership.
Strategic Plan
To ensure that the Wisconsin Association of School Boards remains responsive to the changing needs of its members, the WASB began developing a strategic plan in 2024 to identify key priorities and to adapt to the evolving needs of students, educators and communities. The process resulted in the following mission and vision, which were developed by an internal strategic planning advisory committee before being approved by the WASB Board of Directors.
- Mission—We will support, promote, and advocate for high levels of student achievement by providing public schools, public school boards, and their students and staff with resources, services, and professional development.
- Vision—We envision a future where every student thrives, every voice is heard, and every Wisconsin community is enriched by a world-class public educational system.
For a further explanation of the WASB’s strategic plan, including the guiding principles and strategic goals, please visit the strategic plan webpage and listen to WASB Executive Director Dan Rossmiller discuss the process, goals and mission.
History
The WASB was founded in 1921, when school board members met in the Capitol in Madison to create the Wisconsin Association of High Schools and Graded School Boards. The first president was W. W. Albers, a Wausau school board member who also served in the state Senate for 10 years.
