From the President's Desk |
As we wrap up summer and school divisions all across the state begin to embark on the journey of a new school year, I am thankful for the opportunity to address you all. The past year has not been easy and has created new challenges with widespread and lasting effects. As we face a new year full of new and returning challenges, I encourage each of you to find a balance between your role as a school board member and your other commitments while prioritizing your own wellness.
At VSBA, this summer was full of successful virtual programming, including the School Law Conference, Conference on Education, many webinars and recently even a hybrid Collective Bargaining Workshop. The VSBA team is looking forward to the Fall and is hard at work ensuring quality programs for both the Legislative Advocacy Conference as well as the Annual Convention. As we prepare, please be assured we are keeping data and safety in mind.
We are looking forward to welcoming school board members from across the state back to in-person events and have developed COVID mitigation strategies and guidelines that will be implemented at all VSBA in-person events. Please review the document completely when planning to attend an in-person VSBA event. Additionally, we have opened virtual opportunities for several events, including the upcoming Legislative Advocacy Conference. Registration is open for both in-person and virtual attendance. For more information on the in-person event, view the brochure here. To register to attend virtually, please reach out to Mikaela Coffey (mikaela@vsba.org).
Registration for the Annual Convention is also open, and programming includes 3 strong keynote speakers, including Retired Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer. This year will also include a bonus general session on Wednesday morning in honor of VSBA’s 115th year of existence. Submissions for the Signs of Success and Student Video Contest are both open as well. More information is included in the newsletter below and is also available on the VSBA website.
Thank you all for your continued hard work and commitment to public education across the commonwealth. I look forward to networking with you all soon.
- Janet Turner-Giles
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Janet Turner- Giles
VSBA President
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Issue Highlights
Celebrating 115 Years- Did You Know
Report of the Nominating Committee
October is VSBA Bullying Prevention Month
Fall: A Time for Advocacy
2021 VSBA Media Honor Roll Recipients
Role of School Board Members During the Election Cycle
Spotlight Article-Martinsville City Public Schools
VSBA Leadership Profile-
David Woodard
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Dates to Remember
September 23rd- VSBA Legislative Advocacy Conference, In-Person- Now with a Virtual Option!
November 17-19th- VSBA Annual Convention, In-Person
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Executive Director
Gina G. Patterson
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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR |
Media Relations = Media Relationships
While recently working with a board on governance training, one of the members mentioned the fact that the newly hired local education reporter assigned to their division was continually providing negative stories about the school system. My immediate question to that board member and the entire board was what positive stories have you provided to the reporter about your division. Today, more than ever, school media relations is important for local divisions. School divisions must become more proactive about promoting the quality of public education and the opportunities that are provided to all your students. Share your message of innovative programming in your schools, not just with your parents and staff, but with others in your community, as well. The education reporter is often one of the more novice members of the news staff, so take time to get to know the reporter and help him or her understand the importance of fair and balanced reporting. Effective communication with your local media is a necessity that is often misused or overlooked. Unfortunately, media coverage almost always happens when there is something negative to report. We all know bad news travels fast, so make sure you have a strong crisis communication plan that enables you to respond quickly and proactively to media queries. If you haven’t already done so, review your communication efforts. Are they telling the story of all the great things that are happening in your schools as well as your challenges? Are media relations a component of your communications plan? If you want better news coverage, you need to pitch more stories and work on building a relationship with reporters. In the Spring, VSBA sent out the 2021 Showcases for Success, highlighting successful education programs from around the state. This is an example of something that can be easily replicated on the local level, focusing on all the positive things taking place in your schools. It really is that easy – and that complex. Each year school divisions honor media professionals who recognize fair and balanced reporting about our schools and Virginia’s public education system. Those Media Honor Roll recipients are listed within this publication. Congratulations to the recipients, and thank you for your support of public education.
-GP
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School Board News Podcast, Episode 39- Sitting down with Secretary Qarni to discuss the State of Public Education in Virginia |
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In this episode of the VSBA: School Board News Podcast, Executive Director Gina Patterson is joined by Atif Qarni, Secretary of Education in Virginia. Together they discuss current hot topics related to Public K-12 Education in Virginia. |
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Summary of August VSBA Board of Directors Meeting |
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The VSBA Board of Directors met electronically on Thursday, August 19, 2021 and took the following actions:
- Approval of the Recommendation of the VSBA Task Force on Workforce Readiness
- Approval of the Support of the 2022 Teacher of the Year Program
- Approval of the Report of the VSBA Legislative Positions Committee for Transmittal to the VSBA Delegate Assembly
- Approval of the Report of the VSBA Task Force on Students and Schools in Challenging Environments.
The Board also heard the following reports:
- Report of the Chair of the Nominating Committee
- Report from State Superintendent of Public Instruction
- Report from State Chief Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Update on Marketing Agreement between BPA, MetLife and VSBA
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Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15! |
Every year from September 15 to October 15, Americans celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by appreciating the community’s history, heritage, and contributions of the ancestors of American citizens who came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and South- and Central America.
Visit the resources below for more information and ideas on how to participate:
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October is VSBA Bullying Prevention Month |
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In an effort to promote awareness of school bullying, the VSBA Board of Directors has designated the month of October as VSBA Bullying Prevention Month. Childhood bullying is a significant problem nationwide. It can cause school absenteeism, mental and physical stress, poor school performance, poor self-esteem, and in some cases, school violence. Statistics show Students who experience bullying are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, lower academic achievement, and dropping out of school. (Centers for Disease Control, 2019). School board members, superintendents, teachers, and parents play a critical role in creating a climate where bullying is not tolerated. It has been proven that when adults and children stand together bullying ends.
To view the Guide for Bullying Prevention month please click here.
VSBA President Janet Turner-Giles has created a PSA to encourage participation in VSBA Bullying Prevention Month.
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J.T. Kessler, Government Relations Specialist |
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Fall: A Time for Advocacy |
With the beginning of a new school year, there is no better time to begin your board’s legislative advocacy efforts by preparing your legislative delegation for the 2022 session of the Virginia General Assembly. The excitement of the new school year presents opportunities to engage legislators by capturing their attention and interest in the coming school year.
We encourage you to take part in the annual VSBA Take Your Legislator to School Month this November. There are many benefits from participating in VSBA Take Your Legislator to School Month, including developing closer relationships between school divisions, local communities, and our elected officials, as well as creating opportunities for productive dialogue so that educational and political leaders can work together to ensure that we provide the best possible education for our students. In addition, when legislators visit your schools as part of VSBA Take Your Legislator to School Month, local students will have the opportunity to interact with elected officials and learn about the important roles and responsibilities of Virginia General Assembly members. Almost like a field trip that is coming to your school, a visit by your local legislator creates many different “teachable moments.” We ask that you please share photos of your legislative visits with VSBA so that we can use them in future publications.
The VSBA website link to the Take Your Legislator to School Month page includes a tool kit with resources for planning and executing a successful event, a Public Service Announcement from VSBA President Janet Turner-Giles, and examples from divisions that have hosted events in previous years. We encourage you to use these resources as you plan your events.
We often receive questions regarding the messaging for the Take Your Legislator to School Month visits and how to conduct a successful visit. There is no silver bullet answer to these questions, but we suggest you design your visit to meet a specific need of your division or to highlight a program that your division feels your legislative delegation should know about. Legislators enjoy bringing examples of successful programs or issues that need state resources to the general assembly session.
If you are addressing specific needs of your division, do not hesitate to offer a policy suggestion for the legislator to consider. By focusing the event on specific areas within your division, you will have greater levels of success as legislators will take away concrete examples from your schools.
Thank you so much for all your advocacy efforts and your commitment to public schools in the Commonwealth. The advocacy you undertake within your local school division compliments the efforts of the Virginia School Boards Association Government Relations team. Delegates and Senators want to hear from their constituents regarding proposed legislation. Not every lawmaker in Richmond is an expert on public education. With hundreds of bills involving education policy sponsored each legislative session, lawmakers are overwhelmed and often seek out opinion from those they consider knowledgeable and trustworthy in this field of study. As constituents and school board members, offering yourself as a resource, as well as, contacting your legislators when VSBA sends Action Alerts to its members is a critical piece of advancing VSBA’s legislative priorities.
If there is anything I can be of assistance in planning advocacy efforts with your local school board, please do not hesitate to contact me by calling VSBA at (434) 295-8722 or by email jason@vsba.org.
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Application Process for Regional Officers |
Nomination of Regional Officers
Elections of VSBA Regional Officers take place at the Fall Regional Meetings which will be held in person at the VSBA Annual Convention. In 2015, the VSBA Delegate Assembly voted to change the regional positions from a one-year to a two-year term. For those regions that will be holding an election this year, a nominating committee was formed and announced at your Spring Regional Networking Forum. Those interested in serving as chair or vice-chair of the region should complete the application form and contact the members of the regional nominating committee. The regions below will be looking for nominations for a chair and vice-chair for a two-year term:
- Central Region
- Northeastern Region
- Southern Region
- Tidewater Region
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Stay Updated with the VSBA Legislative Blog
The VSBA Legislative blog is designed to keep members informed of up-to-date happenings at the Virginia General Assembly as it relates to education. The blog is updated regularly during sessions.
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2021 VSBA Media Honor Roll |
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Reporters and local media outlets play an important role in public education. School division leaders rely on responsible reporting by local media representatives so that our community members receive timely information about division initiatives and programs. Considering the impact that media coverage can have on community attitudes and beliefs, the Media Honor Roll was created to recognize fair and balanced reporting about our schools and Virginia’s public education system.
Each year, in the early Fall, the VSBA Media Honor Roll recognizes media representatives in three categories: print, radio, and television.
Criteria for honorees include the following:
- Makes the effort to get to know the superintendent and board chair.
- Understands the division’s mission and goals.
- Reports school news in a manner that is fair, accurate, and balanced.
- Gives a high-profile position to good news about schools.
- Regularly visits the schools, attends board meetings, etc.
- Maintains a policy of “no surprises” by sharing information with school representatives.
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Congratulations to this year's honorees: |
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Alleghany County
Darrell Gleason, The Virginian Review
Jerry Clark, The Alleghany Journal
Mark Pifer, The Recorder
Appomattox County
Dave Walls, WSET - ABC-13
Bedford County
Jamey Cross, The News & Advance
Caroline County
Ted Schubel, B101.5
Carroll County
David Broyles, The Carroll News
Covington City
Jerome Johnson, The Virginian Review & The Recorder
Jerry Clark, Alleghany Journal
Darrell Gleason, The Virginian Review
Gregory A. Howard, Highlands Media Group
Culpeper County
Jonathan Krawchuk, Culpeper Media Network
Josh Gully, Culpeper Times
Culpeper Media Network
Cumberland County
Laura McFarland, Cumberland Today
Alexa Massey, The Farmville Herald
Falls Church City
Nicholas Benton, Falls Church News Press
Matt Delaney, Falls Church News Press
Heather Graf, WJLA TV
Fredericksburg City
Adele Uphaus, Fredricksburg Free Lance-Star
Hanover County
Holly Prestidge, Richmond Times-Dispatch
Henry County
Kendall Davis, WDBJ7
Luis Romero, BTW21
King and Queen County
Chris Rose, Rappahannock Times
Lexington City
Harrison Mines Branham, The News Gazette
Bruce Young, WDBJ7
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Louisa County
Rob Cardwell, WTVR CBS 6
David Holtzman, The Central Virginian
Carly Haynes, CBS19 News
Lunenburg County
Crystal Vandergrift, The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch
Lynchburg City
Jamey Cross, The News & Advance
Mathews County
Charles Koenig, Gloucester-Mathews Gazette
New Kent County
Andre Jones, New Kent Charles City Chronicle
Newport News City
Katie Collet, WAVY 10
Petersburg City
Matthew Fultz, WTVR_TV CBS 6 News
Jessica Nocera, Richmond Times-Dispatch
Karina Bolster, NBC 12 News
Powhatan County
Laura McFarland, Powhatan Today
Prince George County
Michael Campbell, Prince George County Public Schools
Radford City
Janay Reece, WDBJ7
Travis Wells, WDBJ7
Katy Rashetk, WDBJ7
Roanoke County
Claire Mitzel, The Roanoke Times
Eric Miller, WDBJ-TV
Debbie Adams, The Salem Viton Messenger
Shenandoah County
John Hood, WHSV TV 3
Rich Cooley, Northern Virginia Daily
Tommy Keeler, Northern Virginia Daily
Smyth County
Linda Burchette, Smyth County News & Messenger
Stephanie Porter-Nichols, Smyth County News & Messenger
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Division Spotlight: Martinsville City Public Schools
In each newsletter VSBA will spotlight a recent initiative or best practice taking place in a school division in Virginia. If you have a story you would like to submit for inclusion in the spotlight section of the VSBA newsletter, please contact Jessica Blythe, director of communications and member services, for more information. We look forward to hearing about the great things going on in your divisions.
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Martinsville City Public Schools’ Robotics Team 8808 Absolute Zero named the Division 2 VA-DC FIRST LEGO League State Robotics Champion
Submitted by Martinsville City Public Schools
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Martinsville Middle School’s Absolute Zero robotics team, coached by Liz Lynch, Emily Harrell, and Lizzy Fulcher, competed with 30 teams from the state of Virginia and DC on Saturday, February 27th in robot game, innovative project, robot design, and core values. The virtual competition consisted of teams pre-recording robot runs and project videos while participating in a 25-minute question and answer judging session through Zoom. Absolute Zero excelled in all areas of the competition walking away as the grand champion. Along with champion, they received third place in robot game and the VA-DC nomination for Global Innovation Awards for the second time in a row. With their win, Absolute Zero qualified for the World Championship.
The Absolute Zero team is made up of 10 team members ranging from ages 12 to 14. Members include Nayti Patel, Reagan Wright, Natalie LaPrade, Karlee Shively, Tyler Carr, Ruby Flores, Kassidy Dodson, Yadira Carrillo-Tamayo, Kate Jarrett, and Madalyn Keller. The team has been practicing 100% virtually the entire season. The challenges this year made it difficult; however, Absolute Zero's dedication prevailed, leading them to success. Team members developed knowledge and skills such as presentation skills, researching skills, and other life-skills that they will be able to carry on to future endeavors.
“I’ve been on robotics teams for the past five years and I would have never thought that we would ever become state champions,” said Martinsville Middle eighth grader Karlee Shively. “After all of the hard work, time, and determination our whole team has given this season, it feels absolutely amazing to have come this far. I can’t wait to see what it’s like to compete at a world level.”
“It was definitely hard with everything being virtual and all, but I’m glad we had coaches who believed in us and helped us,” said Martinsville High ninth grader Nayti Patel. “It feels so amazing that all of our hard work paid off!”
“I am glad I got the opportunity to be in something great,” said Martinsville High ninth-grader Tyler Carr. “During COVID-19 I thought we would have a hard time. Instead, I learned that nothing could stop you from your potential. I hope others will be motivated to have the opportunity as I did and hopefully another team from Martinsville Public Schools will make it as far as we have.”
“Absolute Zero displayed persistence, perseverance, and determination,” said MCPS STEM and Career Development Coordinator and Absolute Zero coach Lizzy Fulcher. “This team of stellar students are ground shakers and are making a powerful impact on the world around them!”
Patrick Henry Elementary School’s Ladybots robotics team, coached by Liz Lynch and Rita Ybarra, also competed and received the Judge's Award for Division 1. The Ladybots team is made up of nine members all in the fourth grade. Members include Aurora Rankin, Zoey Harmon, Summer Jordan, Kirsten Henderson, Bridgette Brent, Maheva Simon, Rebekah Barrow, Maryam Durham, and Arianna Ybarra.
“The Ladybots are a rookie team that embodies the spirit of FIRST through fun,” said Patrick Henry Elementary STEM Techer and Ladybots coach Liz Lynch. “I’m super proud of their hard work and accomplishments this season.”
“This rookie team never gave up during challenges they faced and had fun!” said Fulcher.
“Our robotics program continues to be one of the best in the state of Virginia,” said MCPS Superintendent Dr. Zeb Talley. “Congratulations to our students, parents, teachers and staff for an excellent finish. MCPS students are achieving at a high level while making practical use of Math, Science, and English!”
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Jessica Blythe
Director of Communications & Member Services
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Communications Tips: The Boards Role in Communicating about Student Achievement
Build your own understanding. Your knowledge of school improvement and student achievement will help you explain issues and questions from citizens. There is a plethora of resources available to assist you through VSBA School Board U.
Support Communication planning. Ensure division staff have the skills, time and resources to involve patrons and communicate to them.
Make student achievement a focus of every board meeting. Formal reports on data, work sessions, demonstrations by students and presentations by staff can build your understanding and focus community and media attention on achievement.
Commit your time and talents. Take part in public speaking, volunteer on a communications committee, find times and opportunities to share the good work of the division.
Demand clarity and simplicity. Do what you do best: represent your constituents. If data and reports aren’t clear to you, why would they be clear to citizens? Press for jargon-free, concise, readable presentations of data.
Listen. Good Communication is two-way. Be alert for misperceptions, misunderstandings and common questions and pass them on to utilizing the proper chain of communication so that they can be addressed.
Stress the message of improvement. Use your credibility as an elected or appointed community representative to frame the discussion of achievement results about improvement, not comparisons or penalties for low performance.
Be prepared to share with legislators your local perspective on standards, assessments and school improvement. Use your achievement data to reflect the value of staff investments in educational programs.
Involve the community in partnerships that support student achievement. Frame your communications about achievement as a tool to help families, churches businesses, civic organizations and others to identify their role in supporting improvement.
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VSBA Profile in Leadership- Meet David R. Woodard, VSBA Legislative Positions/Federal Relations Committee Chair |
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What do you do when you’re not working on School Board items?
I’m the Executive Director of the Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority. We are a state authority formed by the General Assembly in 1993 to market the coalfield region for the tourism industry. My favorite job is being a dad to Kennadie (8) and Lincoln (6). We try to fit as many adventures and experiences in that we can.
Where do you turn for new ideas about serving your community?
I enjoy participating in several civic organizations, and I try to listen to students and teachers - they come up with some innovative solutions and ideas. There’s never a shortage of good ideas, we just need to be open to hearing them.
What are one or two issues/topics/challenges that are especially important to you and why?
Equity is particularly important to me for several reasons, one of which is because I represent many students who have a high rate of poverty. I believe their having the tools they need to succeed is a fundamental right. Equity is a universal problem. The same problems that exist in the Southwest also exist in Northern Virginia, or Richmond. They make look different or have different names, but at the end of the day it’s a problem of the haves and the have nots. Until we recognize that fact, we really can’t solve the problems.
I’m also passionate that our teachers have the resources and respect that they need to be successful at their job. We cannot put students first if we are putting teachers last.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned through your board service that you’d like to share with others?
We come into the office, many of us, with a ton of ideas and initiatives. It’s always healthy to introduce new ideas and to start positive initiatives. However, it’s also beneficial (and something it took me a long time to learn) to realize that our own ideas aren’t the only ones of value. It does more good, sometimes, to listen more and talk less to flesh out those ideas and see which one rises to the top.
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David R. Woodard
Legislative Positions/Federal Relations Committee Chair
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Despite Pandemic, poll shows strong public support for public education
A large majority of Americans continue to support public education, according to the 53rd Annual PDK Poll of the Public’s Attitude Toward their local Public Schools and in particular, their teachers.
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Registration is now open for the 2021 VSBA Annual Convention! |
We are back in person for the VSBA Annual Convention! This convention is the largest and most anticipated VSBA meeting of the year. This event brings together over one thousand school board members, superintendents, and school division staff from across Virginia. We are looking forward to being back in person this year and with an event that is bigger than before! This year you can attend four general sessions, choose from over fifty hot topic break-out sessions pertinent to public education issues, have the opportunity to meet with businesses dedicated to serving schools, and much more. This is the convention you do not want to miss.
Don't forget about these other great events:
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Timi Tullis
Association of Alaska School Boards, Associate Executive Director
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Role of School Board Members During the Election Cycle
This time of year comes with a lot of change. As we head back to school from our summer vacations, the long summer days turn into the shorter days of fall, full of colors and a crispness in the air. There is an excitement for the newness, AND we hope there is also the same excitement for newness on your Board. Typically, 90% of the boards in Alaska look different after your local elections, as new members are voted into their role on the board team. What, if anything, should seated school board members do during the election cycle?
Here are a few suggestions:
Hold a work session for school board candidates. A work session can help candidates learn first-hand from members of the Board about what it means to be on the Board. Members can share the time commitment, the areas they find gratifying, and the stressful areas. Be open and honest and answer questions from each candidate.
Help coordinate a student-led forum. Work with your civics class or student leadership group to set up a student-led forum. Include students in planning the forum. Students know what their hopes and dreams for their school are, and they are brutally honest and will ask candid questions.
Stay neutral with all candidates. You will be on the same team with whoever wins the race. Suppose you are outwardly supportive of a candidate that does not succeed. In that case, you will be working with someone who already knows you did not prefer to work with them, typically leading to unnecessary challenges.
Speak with any of the candidates that reach out to you. Again, candidates may have questions about the role of a board member. Be open and honest about the responsivities of the job, and be sure to keep the conversation on issues, not people.
Explain why you enjoy being on the Board. If you only show frustration and resentment about being on the Board, that will translate to the other candidates. Focus on how you are part of making important decisions for ALL students and how school boards remain a nonpartisan elected position in our partisan world.
Lastly, we have been asked, “If a vacancy has occurred and the Board appoints a candidate to fill the vacant seat, is that appointment an endorsement of a specific candidate?”
The School Board is required to fill any vacancy on the Board in accordance with State Statute and Board Policy, and the appointment should not be viewed as an endorsement of any candidate. The Board should consider all the applicants for the vacancy and vote to appoint a person to fill the seat until the election.
Originally published in the AASB Commentary Newsletter, reprinted here with permission.
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The Virginia School Boards Association is once again inviting school divisions across the state to participate in the virtual “Signs of Success” at the VSBA Annual Convention in Williamsburg November 17-19th. To participate, divisions are asked to create and submit PowerPoint slides illustrating their favorite success story. The success can be large or small- no achievement is insignificant- as long as your division wants to share it and celebrate it with others. Due to spacing restrictions, the signs of success will remain a virtual attraction this year. Presentations will be displayed virtually on the event app as well as on screens throughout the in-person venue.
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Please view the attached brochure for details on how to reserve your spot in the VSBA “Signs of Success” exhibit. The Submission deadline is October 15, 2021, and must be filled out at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VSBASignsofSuccess2021. Limit one entry per division.
We look forward to seeing the great work taking place in your division!
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Registration Open for the VSBA Annual 5k Fun Run/Walk |
Join us for the 18th Annual VSBA 5K! Let’s show our VSBA pride by running or walking a 5K November 18. Register before November 17. T-shirts will be picked up when you check in and receive your bib number.
All awards will be announced at the Friday, November 19 during the VSBA Annual Convention Closing Session.
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The Virginia School Boards Association is asking students to express their thoughts and ideas around the theme “Virginia Public Schools: Stronger Than Ever” through our tenth annual student video contest. Each school division is invited to submit one 30 second video that conveys the contest theme. The top 3 videos will be recognized at the VSBA Annual Convention.
For more information on how to submit video entries, please view the contest materials here. PLEASE NOTE: Only ONE submission per school division will be accepted.
The submission deadline is October 4, 2021. **Each student participant listed must complete a release form**
If you have any questions, please contact Brittany Moore, membership services coordinator at brittany@vsba.org or by calling 434-295-8722.
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Thank you to our sponsor, Haney Phinyowattanachip PLLC! |
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News and Tidbits From Across the Country |
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New survey uncovers the K-12 models and educational...
The pandemic experience informs educators' plans to improve post-pandemic learning and experiences for their students. Tweet this "Amidst a year full of challenges, these findings provide a glimpse into the schooling arrangements and practices...
Read more
www.prnewswire.com
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School mask, vaccine mandates supported in US: AP-NORC poll
BOSTON (AP) - As COVID-19 cases surge around the country, a majority of Americans say they support mask mandates for students and teachers in K-12 schools, according to a new poll, but their views are sharply divided along political lines.
Read more
apnews.com
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As K-12 students return, schools shouldn't obsess over...
Millions of U.S. students are returning to K-12 classrooms, and after the profound disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many of their parents, teachers and principals are worried about the learning lost while students attended classes...
Read more
news.berkeley.edu
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What Will School Really Look Like This Fall?
The Education Issue Six experts on the consequences of missed learning - and what it means for this year. Credit... Artwork by Erin Jang. Photograph by Jamie Chung for The New York Times. A year and a half into the pandemic, the crucial and...
Read more
www.nytimes.com
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VSBA Affiliate Member Profiles
In each issue of the VSBA newsletter, we will feature three VSBA Affiliate Members.
Thank you for your support of the VSBA and Virginia's public education system.
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Blue Bird Bus Sales of Virginia
Blue Bird Bus Sales of Virginia has dedicated and knowledgeable Sales Team that specializes in serving our customers with the best school buses.
Greg McCalmon (804) 544-2282
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McGraw-Hill Education
With the accelerated changes in education, brought on by the influence of technology and an increasingly competitive landscape, our services and resources help ignite the learning moments between educators, instructors and students.
Stewart Smith, District Manager, Mid Atlantic (804) 837-6281
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ZMM Architects & Engineers
ZMM Architects & Engineers is an integrated award-winning design firm with offices in Blacksburg, Charleston, and Martinsburg providing professional services throughout West Virginia and Virginia.
Allegra Enochs (540) 552-2151
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UPCOMING EVENTS, WORKSHOPS, & WEBINARS |
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Thursday, September 23, 2021
LOCATION: Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa Short Pump or Virtual
In 2021, Virginians will decide who will lead the Commonwealth by electing the next Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General, as well as deciding control of the Virginia House of Delegates. Being informed on the issues shaping Virginia and learning how to advocate on your board’s behalf have never been more important. Our first in-person event and HYBRID conference of 2021 will give participants the opportunity to hear from the National School Boards Association on how to govern with civility in a divided community. The VSBA Government Relations Team, Stacy Haney and J.T. Kessler, will look towards the future and provide predictions on the hot issues in the 2022 Virginia General Assembly, as well as ideas and strategies school board members can use to engage elected leaders leading up to the legislative session in January. The conference will include a training session on the Conflict of Interest Act which is required of all elected school board members in the Commonwealth. To close out the day attendees, will hear from Senator Jennifer McClellan as she gives an update on school construction and modernization.
Cost: $195 per registration
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Wednesday, October 6, 2021
LOCATION: VSBA Offices in Charlottesville or Virtual
DETAIL: Are you prepared to evaluate your Superintendent? Register now for the Superintendent Evaluation Workshop!
The Guidelines for Uniform Performance Standards and Evaluation Criteria for Superintendents developed by the Virginia Department of Education provide a wealth of information regarding the requirements. Filtering through this document to determine what is required and what is optional requires focused attention. For some, the changes to their current evaluation model may be minor, while others face major revisions in order to be in compliance with the regulations.
This workshop is designed to provide small group support to superintendents and board members responsible for assessing and updating their evaluation model. Participants will have the opportunity to review the guidelines in detail and then use them as they draft their own models. Individual consultation and support will be provided after the session as participants work on their revisions. Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis and are limited for this workshop. Register today, full governance team participation is encouraged for this workshop!
Cost:$175 per registration
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Tuesday, October 12, 2021 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Join VSBA for a live webinar with Texas Association of School Boards Board Consulting staff: Phil Gore, Susan Elliott, and David Koempel as they share best practices and practical tips for governing in a divided community. Variance in opinions result from varied expectations, values, beliefs, and needs. This can lead to conflict with the public and among board members. When conflict occurs, you have the opportunity to choose how you respond. Join us for learning strategies to navigate contentious issues and incivility.
Cost: $160 per registration (multiple registrations needed if viewing from multiple devices/locations)
Date and Time: October 12, 2021 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Presenter: Phil Gore, Division Director, Texas Association of School Boards, David Koempel, Consultant, Texas Association of School Boards, and Susan Elliott, Curriculum and Instructional Design Director, Texas Association of School Boards
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Thursday, October 21, 2021
LOCATION: VSBA Offices in Charlottesville or Virtual
DETAIL: The Basics of Budgeting for Equity is a two-hour session designed to provide school board members and division superintendents with a general understanding of the essential elements of budgeting and allocating division resources in a strategically focused manner that aligns with and supports the individual needs, goals and aspirations of students. Specifically, this session will provide a general overview of student-centered resource allocation models that are intended to promote equity. In addition, during this workshop, we will look at a number of resource allocation/distribution models that are being utilized in school districts around the country to support the individual needs of students and schools based on multiple objective and measurable student characteristics. Finally, this session will provide school board members with a comparative view of traditional budgeting with that of a student-centered resource allocation system.
Cost:$175 per registration
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Tuesday, October 26, 2021 12:00p.m.- 1:00p.m.
Since 2018, Louisa County Public Schools has developed and embraced what they call their “#Kindness” campaign. In alignment with the Virginia Department of Education’s 5 Cs initiative, which includes Citizenship as one of its key tenets, Louisa County Public Schools’ #Kindness campaign focuses on creating opportunities where both students and staff can work together to build positive mindsets, welcoming school environments, and a better community. In this webinar, attendees will learn how over the past few years, the #Kindness movement has been a revolutionary force for good in Louisa County and the projects that students and staff have worked on together.
Cost: Free
Date and Time: October 26, 2021 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Presenter: Dr. Doug Straley, Superintendent, Louisa County Public Schools
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November 17-19, 2021
LOCATION: Williamsburg Lodge
DETAIL: We are back in person for the VSBA Annual Convention! This convention is the largest and most anticipated VSBA meeting of the year. This event brings together over one thousand school board members, superintendents, and school division staff from across Virginia. We are looking forward to being back in person this year and with an event that is bigger than before! This year you can attend four general sessions, choose from over fifty hot topic break-out sessions pertinent to public education issues, have the opportunity to meet with businesses dedicated to serving schools, and much more. This is the convention you do not want to miss.
Cost: $325 per registration
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Wednesday, December 8, 2021 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
In this webinar, Leigh Burden, Assistant Superintendent of Budget and Finance from Fairfax County Public Schools, will be discussing Virginia public school budgeting. Topics that will be discussed include roles of elected officials, fiduciary requirements, stakeholders, and budget reports. In addition, revenue categories will be explained, including state formulas, federal funding, local funding, and tax rates.
Cost: $160 per registration or $290 for the complete series (multiple registrations needed if viewing from multiple devices/locations)
Date and Time: December 8, 2021 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Presenter: Leigh Burden, Assistant Superintendent of Budget and Finance, Fairfax County Public Schools
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Thursday, December 9, 2021 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Session two with Leigh Burden, will explain expenditures including enrollment, staffing, salaries, and employee benefits. She will also be discussing “odds and ends” of school division finance including audits, school activity funds, quarterly reports fund balances, and misinformation.
Cost: $160 per registration or $290 for the complete series (multiple registrations needed if viewing from multiple devices/locations)
Date and Time: December 9, 2021 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Presenter: Leigh Burden, Assistant Superintendent of Budget and Finance, Fairfax County Public Schools
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200 Hansen Road, Charlottesville, VA 22911
Tel: 434-295-8722 Fax: 434-295-8785
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