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History

The North Carolina School Boards Association, like many organizations, has a history of growth. As public education has become more complex and the role of the local board of education more important, school board members and school system administrators have looked to NCSBA for leadership and services.

By working collectively through NCSBA, North Carolina school boards have a significant impact on public education at the state and federal levels. It is a critical presence that would otherwise not exist. In addition, board members and administrators have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of programs and services designed to improve effectiveness and save schools money.

NCSBA provides a sophisticated level of advocacy and policy analysis on behalf of public education and children. Serving as a unified voice for school districts, the association fosters effective relationships with the legislature, the governor’s office, Congress, administrative agencies and educational organizations. NCSBA’s commentary and analyses of critical education issues are used by board members, superintendents, and state and national leaders.

NCSBA History

1937

The North Carolina School Boards Association is founded by Guy Phillips, dean of the School of Education at UNC Chapel Hill. He serves as executive secretary until 1966.

1937 – 1971

The association is housed at the School of Education in Peabody Hall on the UNC-CH campus. Part-time employees and graduate students devote their time as the association’s staff.

1958

165 of 174 local boards of education are now members of the association.

1966

Raleigh Dingman, one of Phillip’s former graduate students, becomes the association’s first full-time executive secretary.

1971

Following a financial and program review by NSBA, the association offices move to the Sir Walter Hotel in Raleigh. The move positioned the association to represent school boards more effectively before the General Assembly and the State Board of Education.

1973

Dingman is named the association’s first executive director. During his tenure, he sees 100 percent of the local boards become members.

Mid 1970s

The association moves into the Wake County Office Building.

1979

The association takes residence in the Albert Coates Government Center.

1980

Gene Causby becomes the new executive director following Dingman’s death. Under his efforts, the services of the organization increase.

1982

The North Carolina School Boards Trust division is established. The staff grows to 11, including an associate executive director and a director of policy and research.

1985

Association headquarters is moved to Edenton Street in downtown Raleigh. Also, school board member training is formalized under the NCSBA Academy for School Boardsmanship.

1991

Edenton Street offices are expanded to include a larger conference room for more in-house meetings.

1994

Causby retires and Ed Dunlap is elected as the third executive director.

1995

Workers’ Compensation Claims servicing is brought in-house.

1997

Association moves building to Faringdon Place in North Raleigh.

2000

Association moves building to current location on Falls of Neuse Road in North Raleigh.

2021

After 41 years of serving the Association, Ed Dunlap retires January 5, 2021. The Board of Directors honor him with the title executive director emeritus and name the NCSBA office building the Edwin E. Dunlap, Jr. Building.

2021

Leanne Winner is named executive director after Ed Dunlap’s retirement. She is the first female executive director in the Association’s history.

2021 - Present

During her tenure as Executive Director, Leanne Winner has expanded NCSBA's legislative influence, deepened relationships with key policymakers, and elevated the voice of local boards of education on critical issues impacting students and communities. She was part of the group of state association executive directors who founded the Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA), which is incorporated in North Carolina, helping to establish a new national platform for collaboration and advocacy. Winner also spearheaded the Association’s two-year statewide “Public Education Does the Public Good” campaign, reinforcing the value and impact of public schools in communities across North Carolina. She has championed professional development opportunities for board members, modernized the Association’s operations, and fostered strategic partnerships that enhance member services. Winner’s steady leadership, institutional knowledge, and commitment to collaboration have positioned NCSBA as a respected and effective organization in shaping education policy and supporting school governance statewide.

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Benefits

NCSBA provides a broad range of services to school boards. Membership in the association gives board members and administrators access to the resources that can help them fulfill their governance and leadership roles and help them ensure high levels of student achievement.

Benefit Highlights

A full range of services that supports all aspects of local school governance including:
  • Training
  • Legal Assistance Fund
  • Superintendent search services
  • Risk management services
  • Legal information and support
  • Policy services
  • Advocacy efforts
  • Monthly newsletter
  • Information-packed website – www.ncsba.org
  • Respected leadership at the state and federal levels.
  • Honesty and integrity in promoting and improving public education – we are the only statewide organization representing the local school governance perspective.
  • Strength in numbers – your ability to impact your students positively is significantly enhanced by joining the other school districts that are NCSBA members. The stronger NCSBA’s membership is the more influential the association can be on behalf of all North Carolina students.

NCSBA’s services are divided into two categories. Many services are provided as part of membership. Other fee-based services, designed to meet specific needs and which benefit specific members, also are offered.

The support of all North Carolina school boards is critical to keeping all NCSBA services available. Without your strong support, NCSBA’s voice on behalf of school governance would be less effective.

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