Partners in Purpose: The Power of Collaboration in Advancing Public Education

Public education is the cornerstone of our democracy and the foundation of every thriving community. At the Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA), we believe that the success of our nation’s students depends on strong, informed school boards—and that lasting progress comes through collaboration.

That’s why our partners and sponsors are more than contributors. They are allies in purpose, helping COSSBA and our member State School Boards Associations (SSBAs) strengthen leadership, advocacy, and governance nationwide. Together, we are building bridges between innovation and impact—ensuring that every student, in every community, has access to a high-quality public education.

Why Partnership Matters

COSSBA’s work centers on supporting our state association members, who in turn empower thousands of local school board members serving millions of students. When organizations partner with COSSBA, they invest in the strength and sustainability of the entire network.

Through sponsorships and shared initiatives, partners help make possible the professional learning experiences, leadership forums, and national conferences that directly benefit SSBAs and their member boards. Their support allows us to deliver resources, connections, and opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach for many state associations and local districts.

Every partnership fuels a cycle of shared learning and capacity building: partners contribute expertise and innovation, and COSSBA channels those insights to our members—helping boards make better decisions for students and communities across the country.

A Partnership Model That’s Different

At COSSBA, partnership is never about endorsement; it’s about alignment and purpose. We collaborate with organizations that share our belief in the power of public education and our commitment to integrity, transparency, and service.

Our partnerships are designed to be mutually enriching:

• Joint thought leadership through webinars, publications, and conference sessions.

• Research collaborations that inform statewide and local decision-making.

• Access to a national network of education leaders dedicated to student success.

Each partner engagement is rooted in our guiding principle—collaboration that strengthens state associations and the school boards they serve.

The Role of the Business Advisory Group

To further enhance this collaborative approach, COSSBA has established a Business Advisory Group composed of Executive Directors and CIOs from our member associations. This group will work closely with COSSBA to explore innovative, mission-aligned strategies for sponsorship and partnership development.

By bringing together the expertise of state leaders and business partners, the Business Advisory Group will help ensure that every sponsorship opportunity creates meaningful value — supporting both the sustainability of COSSBA and the advancement of public education nationwide.

This intentional collaboration ensures our sponsorship efforts remain transparent, purposeful, and directly connected to the needs of our members.

Shared Impact, Shared Success

The impact of these relationships extends far beyond a single sponsorship. Partner support helps us convene our national conference, our Unified Board Alliance activities and leadership summit, where SSBAs and local board members exchange ideas, learn from experts, and return home equipped to strengthen their local governance systems.

Our partners also help us expand professional learning tools, amplify innovation in education policy, and support the day-to-day work of school board associations that champion strong governance and effective leadership.

When partners invest in COSSBA, they invest directly in SSBAs' capacity — and ultimately in every student served by public schools across America.

Join Us as a Partner in Purpose

COSSBA’s vision is bold: a national network of empowered school boards, supported by strong state associations, equipped to provide every student the opportunity to succeed.

We are grateful to our current partners in purpose and the sponsors of our events. We invite organizations that share this vision to join us as partners and sponsors. 

Contact debb.oliver@cossba.org for more information on becoming a COSSBA Partner and/or Sponsor.