MASBA: School Board Members for Latino Equity traces its roots back to 1970 when Dr. José A. Cárdenas recognized the need for greater Latino representation in school governance. At the time, Mexican Americans were significantly underrepresented on Texas school boards, despite making up a substantial portion of the student population. In response, MASBA was established to advocate for equitable policies and ensure that Latino students received the resources and support necessary for academic success. The organization was formally incorporated in 1973, marking the beginning of a more structured approach to addressing disparities in public education.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, MASBA expanded its network and influence, advocating for increased Latino participation in school leadership, pushing for equitable school funding, and supporting initiatives that addressed the needs of historically underfunded districts. The organization also played a role in shaping bilingual education policies, emphasizing the importance of dual-language programs to better serve emergent bilingual students.

In the early 2000s, MASBA continued its advocacy for culturally relevant education, working to expand bilingual programs and ensure Latino students had access to a curriculum that reflected their heritage. This commitment to cultural representation was exemplified in 2010 when MASBA organized Texas’s first statewide high school mariachi competition, recognizing the role of music and heritage in student engagement. By 2015, MASBA’s persistent advocacy led to the University Interscholastic League (UIL) officially sanctioning mariachi as a competitive event, cementing its place in Texas schools.

MASBA has also been a strong force in ensuring accurate representation of Latino history in education. In 2016, the organization played a key role in opposing the adoption of the textbook Mexican American Heritage, which contained biased and misleading portrayals of Mexican American history. Two years later, MASBA’s efforts contributed to the Texas State Board of Education approving the first-ever Mexican American Studies course under the state’s curriculum standards, expanding opportunities for students to engage with their own history in meaningful ways.

As MASBA reached its 50th anniversary in 2020, the organization reflected on its long-standing mission of educational equity and advocacy. Recognizing the need to evolve with the changing educational landscape, MASBA rebranded in 2025 as MASBA: School Board Members for Latino Equity. This new name reflects the organization’s expanded mission to support school board members nationwide in their efforts to champion Latino student success and drive meaningful policy change. Today, MASBA continues to serve as a powerful advocate for equitable education, empowering school leaders with the tools and knowledge necessary to shape a more just and inclusive public education system.