From the President's Desk |
Happy New Year VSBA! I hope you had a great holiday season with your loved ones and that you had an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the previous year and to set goals for the year ahead.
First, I want to personally thank our Executive Director Gina Patterson and the dedicated VSBA staff that made this year’s first-ever hybrid Annual Convention a resounding success. I also have to say it was phenomenal to see so many of you in person again. We can rest assured no matter the obstacle Gina and her team will find a way to provide exceptional services fulfilling our mission of leadership, advocacy, and support.
As we welcome the new year, we also welcome new board members. Congratulations to all those newly elected or appointed. I thank you for your willingness to serve and look forward to getting to know and working with you in the year ahead. I encourage you to attend our upcoming New Member Orientation and to participate in our mentorship program. These are but the start of many opportunities available to you to learn best practices and network with fellow board members across this great Commonwealth. I know that these were particularly helpful to me when I started my service. Always know we are here to support you!
For our new members and veterans alike, I feel confident in saying there has never been a time where school board service has been more important. Advocacy on behalf of public education is a year-round job for us as school board members and is now more critical than ever. To start the year, the VSBA Task Force on Students and Schools in Challenging Environments and Task Force on Workforce Readiness held a successful joint Coffee and Conversations session with several key Education Committee legislators. Now, the General Assembly is in session and your voice, our voice is needed to advance the 2022 Legislative Positions adopted at our Delegate Assembly. As a reminder, the 2022 Legislative Priorities, online versions of the Legislative Positions Handbook, Action Alerts, and legislative advocacy updates are available on the VSBA Website.
Furthermore, we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming Capital Conference in Richmond on January 24th and 25th, where you may learn more about what is expected in this session and then advocate with your legislators. Our strength is in you, our members, representing all of Virginia's school boards.
In closing, I thank you again for the incredible honor of serving as your 2022 VSBA President. I look forward to seeing you at conferences, forums, legislative offices, and in trainings and with your support making 2022 a great year for Virginia public education.
- Teddy D. Martin, II
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Teddy D. Martin, II
VSBA President
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Issue Highlights
Governor Northam Proposes Outgoing Budget
Spotlight Article-Page County Public Schools
Guest Article: New Apply for the Kajeet-Virginia Education Broadband Grant
VSBA Profile in Leadership
2022 VSBA Showcases for Success
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Dates to Remember
2022 Capital Conference- January 24 & 25, 2022
Orientations- January 25, 2022
Title IX Workshop - February 8, 2022
February is School Board Appreciation Month
February 14-18 is School Board Clerks Appreciation Week
March is Equity in Education Month
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Executive Director
Gina G. Patterson
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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR |
Welcome, New Board Members!
I want to extend a warm welcome to those of you recently elected or appointed to your local school board for the first time. You are joining nearly 850 other citizens throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia who volunteer their time as members of their local school boards. Serving on a school board is, without question, an investment of time and energy. Most board members agree, however, that the personal satisfaction they gain far outweighs the challenges associated with the job. Thank you for your commitment to this most worthwhile form of community service.
By now, you should have received your new school board member packet we sent you as soon as we received your contact information from your board clerk. If for some reason you have not yet received your information, please call the VSBA office to request a packet.
As a school board member, you are automatically a member of the Virginia School Boards Association. VSBA is your organization. It exists to provide leadership, programs, and services to support school boards in your efforts to improve student learning. VSBA offers many resources to help you and your board to be as effective as possible in your governance role. We encourage you to take advantage of these resources as you familiarize yourself with the roles and responsibilities of school board service. Be sure to visit the VSBA website to learn more about your association, and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need assistance.
I look forward to seeing you soon for the VSBA Capital Conference and Orientations being held on January 24th and 25th in Richmond at the Delta Marriott, as well as available to attend virtually. Both of these events are wonderful opportunities to learn more about your role as a school board member and to make connections and network with colleagues from around the Commonwealth.
Thanks for all that you do.
-GP
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J.T. Kessler, Government Relations Specialist |
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Governor Northam Proposes Outgoing Budget |
Former Governor, Ralph S. Northam presented his outline of the 2022-2024 biennium budget at a meeting of the Joint Money Committees (Senate Finance and Appropriations, House Appropriations, and House Finance) of the Virginia General Assembly. Northam’s two-year spending plan of roughly $158 billion dollars draws heavily on the budget surplus of $2.6 billion for Fiscal Year 2021 with key investments in public education, the state retirement system, and deposits into the state’s reserve funds. The two-year spending package will be reviewed and amended by the Virginia General Assembly where the new Republican majority in the House of Delegates will likely look to incorporate proposals from newly inaugurated Governor Glenn Youngkin.
In his December address to the Joint Money Committees, Northam announced an overall investment of $2.3 billion in direct aid to public education, including $268 million in funding to support at-risk students in high poverty school divisions. This marks an increase of over $128 million dollars from the 2020-2022 biennium budget. Northam also proposed $500 million in funding to assist localities with school construction and renovation.
Additionally, the Governor’s proposed budget calls for a 5 percent pay raise for public school teachers in each of the budget’s two years. The 10 percent total raise over the biennium has an estimated cost of nearly $750 million.
Other Highlights of the Governor's Proposed Budget include:
- A set aside of $1.7 billion for the Commonwealth’s revenue reserves, including a $564 million voluntary deposit beyond the constitutional requirement bringing the Commonwealth’s reserves to more than $3.8 billion or 16.8% of state revenues.
- $900 million deposit to the Virginia Retirement System to reduce unfunded liabilities.
- Expanded access to the Virginia Preschool Initiative for three-year-olds and an increase in the Child Care Development Fund by more than $73 million each year.
- A proposed total of nearly $2.1 billion in tax cuts.
- One-time rebates of $250 per individual taxpayer or $500 for married couples filing jointly.
- Eliminates the state’s 1.5 percent tax on groceries but leaves the 1 percent local add-on tax unchanged.
- Allowing working families who meet certain criteria to get money back for the earned income tax credit.
- $42.5 million in each year for payments expected to Amazon—payments that are contingent on Amazon meeting their obligations for investments and job creation.
- Spending $1 million to study Virginia’s need for more capacity in behavioral health facilities in Fiscal Year 23, with an additional $100 million in the second year for increasing capacity in Fiscal Year 24.
- $60 million for cybersecurity upgrades across state government.
Virginia General Assembly Convenes for 2022 Legislative Session
The 2022 session of the Virginia General Assembly convened at noon on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. The 2022 session will last 60 days, and legislators will be tasked with adopting the 2022-2024 biennium budget along with considering thousands of individual pieces of legislation filed by members of the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate of Virginia.
The VSBA Government Relations team is excited to be back in Richmond advocating on behalf of school board members. We will sending Legislative Action Alerts throughout the session and hope you will take the time to talk to your legislative delegations about important legislation being considered by the general assembly.
Please be sure to check out the VSBA Legislative Update Blog as well as the VSBA Facebook and Twitter handles daily for real time information from the General Assembly. If you have questions regarding VSBA’s work at the General Assembly, you may contact VSBA Chief Lobbyist, Stacy Haney, at shaney@haneyphinyo.com or VSBA Government Relations Specialist, JT Kessler, at jason@vsba.org.
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Once is not enough when it comes to gaining information about school finance and – just as important – the working relationship between the local school board and the local appropriating body. The VSBA takes pleasure in offering this updated and expanded edition of what has traditionally been known as its budget manual.
Because of the enlarged coverage and its implications beyond just budgets and the budget process, it has become and is now regarded as a finance manual. The VSBA offers it to its boards and board members as well as to school division staff and legal counsel as yet another resource, among many, that the VSBA provides in its efforts to encourage and promote even more informed and engaged decision-making and advocacy on behalf of the Commonwealth's school divisions. One of the most important governance functions of a school board, of course, is to provide leadership and oversight regarding financial matters. In these changing times, that function is more critical.
Take a moment to review the publication throughout the year, but particularly now as you are headed into budget season. Take time to get familiar with this aspect of governance.
Here is the link to the finance manual:
Please note that the finance manual PDF is password protected and the password was distributed previously to the VSBA membership and superintendents. If you are unable to locate the password, please e-mail Jessica Blythe, director of communications and member services, at jessica@vsba.org.
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The following script offers language that can be used to begin the board’s public comment period. Many boards already have a script which works well and there is no need for them to make a change. Some boards, in contrast, have let VSBA know that they are looking for language that they can use to introduce their public comment periods. Those boards may be interested in using the following either as a starting point for developing a local statement or for use as-is after inserting the relevant local information.
We are now going to move into the public comment period of our meeting. Although Virginia law does not require us to hold a public comment period, we choose to do so because we believe it is important for us to hear from our community members about their concerns. Having said that, please remember that the public comment period is intended for board members to hear from the public. It is not designed to be a discussion. Accordingly, please do not expect the board to respond to your comments and questions at this meeting. We take your questions and concerns seriously and want to have sufficient time to process your comments and perform any necessary research in order to provide you with a thorough response. We will respond to your questions and concerns either at a future meeting or have a staff member get back to you with the information you are looking for. Finally, we recognize that our community is polarized on a number of issues. That said, we want our school board meetings to serve as an example to our students that members of the school board and members of our community can deal with controversial issues in a civil manner and demonstrate mutual respect for one another. We ask that speakers address their comments to the board directly, rather than to the audience. Speakers may address [select appropriate choice based on local practice: only items pertinent to the meeting agenda OR any topic of concern related to the BLANK public schools OR describe local rules]. Finally, I want to remind everyone that [insert name] is the division’s spokesperson and can be contacted at [insert phone number or email address] outside of meetings. In addition, [insert name] is the division’s Freedom of Information Officer and is the best person to contact if you are looking for public records.
The board will now entertain public comments for a total of ____ minutes. Each individual speaker is allotted ____ minutes. The time limits have been created so that as many members of the public as possible who wish to speak may do so while still allowing sufficient time for the board to conduct necessary business. At the end of the public comment period, the board will return to addressing the remaining items on the meeting agenda.
Thank you for attending the _________ School Board meeting tonight.
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Elizabeth Ewing,
Director, Legal and Policy Services
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VSBA Task Forces on Students and Schools in Challenging Environments and Workforce Readiness Coffee and Conversations |
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On Saturday, January 8th, VSBA held a Coffee and Conversations meeting with guest members of the Virginia General Assembly. We were delighted to have Delegate Glenn Davis, Delegate Emily Brewer, Delegate John Avoli, and Delegate Clinton Jenkins join us to provide their overview and issue focus for the 2022 session of the general assembly. The delegates also answered questions from the VSBA Task Forces on Students and Schools in Challenging Environments and Workforce Readiness. |
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Division Spotlight: Page County 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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YPACA “Youth Page Alliance for Community Action” |
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With school divisions, and local entertainment options closed, restrictions on gatherings, and seating limits at athletic events due to the pandemic, outlets for our local youth have been limited at best. Youth Page Alliance for Community Action emerged to fill that deficit and provide a place of belonging. The working relationship between YPACA and our school division is the key to our success. One provides access to the other. By focusing on inclusion and fostering a community spirit, our youth have access to substance-free activities, safe spaces, and service-learning opportunities.
Last year, while our local school division operated on a hybrid model, students were able to meet, socially distanced, after school, in a local rec center, and in public spaces. We kicked off the year with a campaign of social media challenges. Students uploaded photos of themselves performing various community service projects. Submissions included stocking food pantry shelves, building birdhouses, and assisting elderly neighbors. Winners received gift cards. We hosted egg hunts at both high schools to encourage physical activity. Eggs included candy and student-created stickers with drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free messaging. To kick off Spring Break, we hosted virtual Spring Break challenges including a virtual pet show, car show, cooking show, talent show, and DIY project. YPACA hosted a Melting Pot event on our Greenway to encourage participation in clubs and organizations. We initiated a school-spirit campaign--Bulldog Nation--which encouraged rising junior and senior leaders to model citizenship, school spirit, substance use prevention, wellness, and self-respect. Upcoming freshmen and sophomores who never experienced a normal freshman year participated in games, student-led activities, and workshops led by our Top Dog juniors and seniors. The result, community, mentorship, and inclusivity.
YPACA promotes healthy lifestyle choices through FREE, positive, substance-free events. We promote community service opportunities that are so fun, our youth forget that they are working! Students earn community service hours for working in our community gardens, stuffing food bags for our community feeding programs, and hosting pop-up seatbelt checks. When there’s a marathon, 5K, or triathlon, we’re there, cheering, keeping time, handing out bibs and water bottles. Youth dressed as Trolls, Peanuts characters, and Santa’s Elves to distribute cookies, popcorn, and hot chocolate at our Chamber of Commerce Holiday Festival. YPACA members wore inflatable alpaca tubes, lightbulb necklaces, and elf hats in our local parades and distributed packets of hot chocolate and apple cider with student-designed stickers reflecting substance-free choices. Our motto, “Making Page County Substance Free Starts With Me.”
YPACA members also participate in YADAPP (Youth Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention Project), CADCA (Community Anti Drug Coalitions of America), Y Street (Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth), and YOVASO (Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety), receiving various forms of training. Our youth promote safe driving, healthy beverage consumption, and clean-air community spaces. Club members developed a STAN plan centered around eliminating distracted driving among local teens, distributing swag bags with safe driving tips to graduates of our Driver Education program.
Student perspective: Summer Forder, Sophomore.
As a student, YPACA has provided the opportunity to learn about issues within the community and participate in creating solutions for our schools and community. As YPACA members our primary goal is to educate our classmates about dangerous substances that affect a large portion of our peers. Our posters, posts, activities, and educational videos subject students to information and statistics about the dangers of abusing substances as youth and promote a healthy lifestyle. YPACA has given our club members the opportunity to interact with students across Virginia at the local and state level to see how educating our community can affect decrease the amount of substance misuse across the state. Our future projects include implementing our STAN Plan in our Drivers Education classrooms, participating in the CADCA (Community Anti Drug Coalitions of America) conference, and the YADAPP Summer Conference.
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February is School Board Appreciation Month! |
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Salute the service of the almost 850 school board members in Virginia in February 2022 during School Board Appreciation Month. The theme — Building the Future of Public Education — reflects the partnership of the Virginia School Boards Association with local school board members as they serve their local divisions and advocate for public education with local, state, and federal leaders on behalf of all students. The month-long observance is an opportunity for your school division and community to build a stronger understanding of the crucial role school boards assume in a constitutional republic. School boards voluntarily tackle the enormous job of governing multi-million-dollar public school divisions, while preserving the core of our democratic values. Use the month to highlight the accomplishments of your local board. Encourage community leaders, business partners, and local civic groups to join in your recognition efforts. |
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School Board Clerk Appreciation Week is February 14-18th! |
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The VSBA Board of Directors has designated the third week in February as VSBA School Board Clerk Appreciation Week, with a goal of building awareness of the role board clerks play in assisting school board members, superintendents, and our local schools. Please plan now to show your local clerks you appreciate their work. The VSBA encourages all school boards to take the opportunity to acknowledge your local board clerk by officially designating the third week in February as School Board Clerk Appreciation Week.
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Jessica Blythe
Director of Communications & Member Services
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We have all heard catchy phrases for New Year’s resolutions; "New Year, New You! or The Time is Now!" Many of us make resolutions to be healthier, happier, spend more time outside, etc. But why do we resolve to do these things? What about the past year do we hope will be different in 2022 and how will we make it so? But more importantly, we need to determine why we want to do things differently and why we do something at all. We need to determine why we do what we do. Do not confuse the answer to how as the answer to why. It does not matter how you came to be a member of the school board. You may have been appointed, were successful in a close election, or ran unopposed. You are now on the school board, and you need to determine your why. Why did you choose to serve on the school board or why do you continue to serve on the school board? Right now, take a second to write down or think of why you are on the school board. Is your why focused on student achievement? If not, think about what you are focused on, and how can you refocus to keep all students at the forefront of your work and the work of the entire governance team. Often, we are caught up in the whirlwind of meetings, appointments, conference calls, public hearings, etc., and forget the purpose of why we do what we do. Come back to your why when you are on hour three of a five-hour budget meeting, when you have sixteen voicemail messages from community members, and when you are driving home after making a tough decision with your governance team. School board service is one of the most challenging public service positions that you can undertake. You are making decisions that affect students and people, not widgets. It is very important work, and you have chosen to serve your community and your students. Continue to focus on your why throughout the year and if you get distracted, remember to come back, take a few moments, and think of why you are doing what you are doing. While school board service may be, at times, a thankless job, know that when you focus on your why, and focus on the achievement of all students, everyone reaps the benefits. |
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New! Apply for the Kajeet-Virginia Education Broadband Grant |
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In honor of VSBA’s 115th Anniversary, Kajeet, a Virginia-based company, announces the first-ever Virginia Education Broadband Grant. In total, Kajeet will award nearly $250,000 in broadband services to Virginia school boards to solve the digital divide and help ensure that all students have access to learn, anytime, anywhere.
Homework Gap – Solving the Digital Divide in Virginia
In Virginia, it is estimated that more than 200,000 K-12 students lack broadband access at home. An additional 12% of K-12 students don’t have access to a computer at home.
In fact, 1 in 4 Virginia K-12 students lack either access or devices to learn, attend class online, or complete homework at home.
During the ongoing pandemic, Virginia school board members and school staff, continue to go above and beyond, many working alongside the Kajeet education team, to help tens of thousands of students connect and stay connected to online learning resources. Even so, work remains to solve the digital divide, close the homework gap and support digital inclusion for Virginia’s students. Kajeet is stepping forward to further support your important work and provide extra support.
Kajeet Virginia Education Broadband Grant
In honor of VSBA’s 115th Anniversary, a thank you for your work as school board members, and in service to Virginia’s children: Kajeet partnered with VSBA to announce the first-ever Virginia Education Broadband Grant program. This funding opportunity will help school board members continue the important work being done to ensure all students have digital learning access at school and at home.
Speaking at the November VSBA Annual Convention, Kajeet CEO and Founder, Daniel Neal, made the official announcement, stating that “we at Kajeet are deeply grateful for the Virginia School Board members and for your service on behalf of our children.”
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Kajeet CEO and Founder, Daniel Neal, announcing the grant at the 2021 VSBA Annual Convention. |
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Applying for the Grant
The Kajeet Virginia Broadband Grant application is open from January 6, 2022 - February 18, 2022. All Virginia school divisions are eligible to apply. One grant winner will be selected from each of the VSBA school regions, for a total of nine winners. Winners will be announced at the VSBA Regional Meetings in the Spring of 2022.
Each grant recipient will be awarded up to $30,000 of Kajeet Education Broadband solutions. This includes unlimited student data plans, access to the Sentinel® platform, and the devices of the school division’s choice, including any combination of:
· WiFi Hotspots
· LTE-Embedded Laptops and Tablets
· School Bus WiFi
· Routers for Multi-Student Homes and Buildings
All Kajeet Education Broadband solutions include modern firewall protection and robust filters, including the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) compliant filters to ensure learning devices are secure and your students safe and on-task for learning.
Virginia School Board Members: Close the Homework Gap & Support Anytime, Anywhere Learning
During the VSBA Annual Convention, Kajeet and local school board members worked together to showcase “Local Solutions to Close the Homework Gap” and “School Bus WiFi Supporting Anytime, Anywhere Learning.” In case you missed the VSBA educational sessions, download the handouts here.
A big thank you to Mr. Teddy D. Martin, II VSBA President from Henry County, Dr. Michelle Rief from Alexandria City Public Schools, Ms. Stephanie Litter-Reber from Fauquier County, Ms. Barbara T. Pittman from Dinwiddie County, Mr. Nick Swayne, Ph.D. from Harrisonburg City, and Ms. Brenda Sheridan from Loudoun County for showcasing their school boards and division efforts to promote digital inclusion and solve the digital divide!
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Virginia School Board Members and Kajeet CEO, Daniel Neal and SVP, Michael Flood, speak at the 2021 VSBA Annual Convention. |
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Kajeet’s booth at the 2021 VSBA Annual Convention. |
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At the 2021 VSBA Annual Convention, the Kajeet team also enjoyed connecting with school board members and discussing shared work to support digitally inclusive learning environments for students. |
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Founded by a group of parents in 2003, Kajeet is a Virginia-based company, committed to ensuring that all children can safely learn online. Kajeet is honored to partner with 80 Virginia school divisions and public libraries to close the digital divide for students across the Commonwealth and more than 2,500 K-12 districts nationwide.
Kajeet is guided by a core belief: every child – every adult – should have access to safe, high-speed, reliable and affordable broadband connections. If you would like to learn more about Kajeet, please contact Senior Vice President of Education, Michael Flood, at mflood@kajeet.com.
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VSBA Profile in Leadership- Meet Karen Corbett Sanders, VSBA Northeastern Region Chair
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What do you do when you’re not working on School Board items?
I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, word and jigsaw puzzles, and reading.
Where do you turn for new ideas about serving your community?
My community associations and non-profits.
What are one or two issues/topics/challenges that are especially important to you and why?
Ensuring access to high-quality education to students no matter where they live in our county and the linkage between food and housing security and educational outcomes.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned through your board service that you’d like to share with others?
Meeting people where they are may mean that you have to deal with difficult situations that requires listening and hearing vs. reacting.
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Karen Corbett Sanders,
VSBA Northeastern Region Chair,
Fairfax County School Board
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WHAT IS THE VSBA SHOWCASES FOR SUCCESS?
As a means of encouraging community awareness and positive press coverage of public education, the Virginia School Boards Association is inviting school divisions to recommend programs and initiatives that would serve as appropriate “Showcases for Success” in public education. Last year, 92 programs were profiled and the list was shared with journalists, school board members, superintendents, legislators, and top state officials. Press coverage was generated statewide, and this project served to be an effective tool for disarming the critics of public education. We are compiling a new list for 2022, and these successful programs will be showcased on the VSBA website for the entire year.
WHAT IS THIS YEAR’S FOCUS?
The focus of the 2022 VSBA Showcases for Success is Virginia Public Schools: Setting the Precedent
HOW MANY PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES CAN A DIVISION SUBMIT?
Each division can submit up to 3 programs/initiatives (simply use the form below multiple times).
HOW DO I SUBMIT?
WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION?
Monday, March 7, 2022
WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE A QUESTION?
Brittany Moore, membership services coordinator, at brittany@vsba.org or 434-295-8722
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News and Tidbits From Across the Country |
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Equity in Education: Investments that pay off
This article is part of a series in which OECD experts and thought leaders-from around the world and all parts of society-address the COVID-19 crisis, discussing and developing solutions now and for the future. Aiming to foster the fruitful...
Read more
www.oecd-forum.org
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Latest NWEA Research Shows K12 Educational Gaps Still...
PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- - a not-for-profit, research and educational services provider serving K-12 students - today released new research that illustrates the scale and disproportionate nature of the disruption in student...
Read more
www.prnewswire.com
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Study: Remote Learning's Toll on Standardized Test Scores
(TNS) - School districts that switched to remote instruction during the coronavirus pandemic did far worse on spring 2021 standardized tests than those that kept their classrooms open, according to a new analysis of scores in Minnesota and 11...
Read more
www.govtech.com
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K-12 Districts Find Interactive Flat Panels a Key Tool...
"We want all teachers to be able to walk into all learning spaces and deliver instruction with high-quality displays, high-quality speakers and advanced functionality," he says. While some students still lack connectivity at home, once they are...
Read more
edtechmagazine.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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VIRCO Inc.
A national company with over 65 years of experience in the education and contract furniture markets.
Tiffany Hanna
Phone: (804) 986-3321
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First Student, Inc.
We offer more than 100 years of transportation expertise. From route optimizations and specialized management teams to full turn-key operations, we have the experience for every situation. Our locally-hired teams are professionally trained.
Beth Wilson
Phone: (513) 419-3304
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Quinn Evans
Quinn Evans focuses on providing award-winning architecture and design with a perspective informed by history and place.
Jodie Day, Marketing Manager
Phone: (804) 788-4774
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UPCOMING EVENTS, WORKSHOPS, & WEBINARS |
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Board members and superintendents annually meet when the General Assembly is in session to be briefed on education issues before the General Assembly and to learn effective lobbying techniques. This conference provides participants with the opportunity to be personally involved in the legislative process.
Date: January 24-25, 2022
Location: Virtual or Richmond Delta Marriott: 555 E. Canal Street, Richmond, VA, 23219
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There are few elected/appointed positions as important to the future of our communities as a school board member. As election season wraps up and new educational leaders prepare to take their seats on boards of education across the state, VSBA is here to help them become the best board member they can be. This year, the association is excited for the New Board Member Orientation trainings that will focus on the legal aspects of being a school board member, along with the key areas of work that school boards influence. New school board members are encouraged to attend with a mentor school board member along with the superintendent to provide the local context for the content that will be shared. Full day, in-person session will take place on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at the Delta Hotel in Richmond. There will also be an online version for those that can’t make it in person.
Date: January 25, 2022
Location: Richmond Delta Marriott, 555 E Canal St, Richmond, VA 23219 or Virtual
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Are you a newly selected Chair or Vice-Chair? Have you been in the position but still feel like you could be more efficient, or garner a better understanding of your position and all it entails? Well if your answer to either of these questions is yes, have you registered for the VSBA Orientation for Chair and Vice-Chair yet?
As Chair or Vice-Chair of your board, we encourage you to take advantage of this informative session. The meeting features experts in many topics whose presentations have been designed to help you seamlessly navigate your position and responsibilities. From media relationships to superintendent relationships, this orientation has you covered. Learn more about parliamentary procedure and attorney client matters. You will also hear from a panel of your peers on their experiences and how to navigate some of the challenges that you may face taking on your new role with the school board.
Date: January 25, 2022
Location: Richmond Delta Marriott, 555 E Canal St, Richmond, VA 23219
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Presented three times a year, this two-hour workshop is designed to give participants a basic overview of Title IX and the second hour will be investigators and decision-makers training and provide an overview for board members on their roles.
Date: February 8, 2022
Location: VSBA Offices in Charlottesville
Cost: $175 per registration
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Join us for a joint Hot Topic Conference with the Tennessee School Boards Association in Bristol Virginia. This will be an informative and important hot topic conference. This hot topic conference will focus on multiple trending education topics. You will hear from many leaders in public education from both states on Virtual School, Workforce Readiness, and the teacher shortage crisis, all which have a national focus.
Date: March 11, 2022
Location: Hilton Garden Inn: 325 Village Circle, Bristol, VA 24201
Cost: $185 per registration
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Tuesday, March 15, 2022 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. – Classroom to Cafeteria Connections: Supporting Education Equity and Student Excellence Through School Nutrition Programs
Join us for an important discussion on timely opportunities to advance educational equity though school nutrition programs. In this interactive session, participants will take a deep dive into strategic planning for maximizing the impact of school nutrition programs, including the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and the Afterschool Meals program. Participants will leave this session equipped with knowledge of CEP and Afterschool Meals, the relationship between food access and academic performance, and ways in which school boards can support their school nutrition departments to ensure that hunger is not a barrier to success for any student.
Reserve your webinar seat now, by clicking here!
Cost: Free
Date and Time: March 15, 2022 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Presenter: Sarah Steely, Director, No Kid Hungry and Dr. Sandra Curwood, Director of School Nutrition Programs, Virginia Department of Education
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200 Hansen Road, Charlottesville, VA 22911
Tel: 434-295-8722 Fax: 434-295-8785
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