Reflections on Serving as a School Board Member

and advice for incoming members

As my tenure as a School Board member concludes, I find myself reflecting deeply on this chapter of my career. Serving in this role has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. It has taught me about resilience, the power of collective action, and the invaluable wisdom of our youth.

The Hardest Moments One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this work has been the loss of young lives. Each message notifying me of a student’s passing was a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of our mission. As a parent, these moments were particularly painful. They underscored the necessity of prioritizing mental health and having strong support systems, both for ourselves and for those we serve. This work requires a heart that cares deeply, and while that care makes the losses harder, it’s also what drives meaningful change.

The Greatest Joys On the other end of the spectrum, the most fulfilling part of this role has been connecting with students. From kindergarteners to high school seniors, their honesty, creativity, and perspective have been a constant source of inspiration. When I asked them, "What would you do in my position?" their responses often guided critical decisions, including initiatives like renaming schools once tied to individuals with legacies of oppression. These conversations were never performative; they were genuine collaborations that shaped our policies and reminded me of the power of listening.

Lessons in Leadership Working alongside my fellow board members has been an exercise in collective will. At times, I found myself at odds with colleagues, unsure of how we could align our visions. Yet, time and again, I witnessed moments of unexpected unity, where individuals I doubted surprised me with their commitment to the greater good. These moments reminded me of the beauty of collective action and the capacity for people to rise to the occasion in service of something larger than themselves.

Advice for New School Board Members To those stepping into this role, I offer these pieces of advice:

1. Prioritize Mental Health: The weight of this work is immense. Ensure you have the support systems you need to sustain yourself.
2. Listen to Students: Engage with young people authentically. Their counsel is invaluable, and their insights often cut through the noise with clarity and purpose.
3. Embrace the Collective: Working with a board is not always easy, but it is powerful. Trust in the process, remain open to surprises, and always focus on the mission.

As I close this chapter, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve. The lessons I’ve learned will stay with me, shaping the next steps in my journey. To our students, colleagues, and community: thank you for trusting me with this responsibility. Together, we have achieved so much, and I am confident that the future holds even greater promise.

With love,

Ethan Ashley

Ethan Ashley is the Co-Founder and CEO of School Board Partners and a former president and current member of the Orleans Parish School Board. Ethan is also an attorney with a law degree from Howard University, a fervent advocate for racial equity, youth justice, and civil rights, and a father and husband. He has held pivotal roles at esteemed institutions such as the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, the Urban League of Louisiana, the ADL, and the Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs.