For information about Academy programs or inservice opportunities, email: coyle@vsba.org

Upcoming Meetings and Conferences (click  for brochures/details)

Register On-Line for Conferences and Convention

VSBA Academy Awards,  Levels and Points

The VSBA School Board Academy offers a variety of programs that are of interest to board members and superintendents.

Programs include:

* New School Board Member/Superintendent Orientation: Presented twice a year, this comprehensive day-long conference is designed specifically to give new board members and superintendents an overview of the basics of boardsmanship.

* Legislative Conference: Board members and superintendents annually meet at the Capitol when the General Assembly is in session to be briefed on education issues before the General Assembly and to learn effective lobbying techniques. This seminar provides participants with the opportunity to be personally involved in the legislative process.

* National School Boards Association Convention: VSBA delegates represent the Association at the NSBA Delegate Assembly held each spring. A breakfast is sponsored by the VSBA at the national convention for school board members and their guests.

* School Law Conference: Designed to provide an update on basic principles of school law and emerging issues, this conference is vital to school board members, superintendents, and school board attorneys. It is held annually during the first week of June.

* Hot Topic Conference: Held twice each year, it provides an opportunity for school board members to increase their knowledge on a current hot button issue ranging from legislative issues to curriculum issues.

* The Governor's Conference on Education: This conference, cosponsored by the Office of the Governor, State Board of Education and the Virginia Association of School Superintendents. The program includes a general session speaker and a multitude of mini-workshops on current educational issues.  Download the proposal form and description sheet (pdf)

* New Chairmen/Vice-Chairmen Orientation: A "town meeting" of school board chairmen, this conference was instituted in 1988 to provide the Association with the counsel of school board leaders and to offer training in leadership skills. This orientation is now presented twice a year.

* VSBA Annual Convention: Held each fall, this is the largest gathering of school board members in the state. This conference offers general session speakers, seminars, regional meetings and the annual business meeting of the Association's Delegate Assembly.  To view past AC presentations click here.

* Leadership Conference: This conference is designed to enhance the skills of board members and superintendents and features outstanding workshop presenters speaking on topics of particular interest to school board leaders. It is held in the fall each year.

* Additionally: Individual school boards may attend the VSBA Center for School Board Development which offers a selection of programs that can be customized to meet individual board's needs.

The Association recognizes board members, through the VSBA School Board Academy, for their dedication, time and hard work in improving boardmanship skills. There are five levels of awards in the Academy program with certificates and pins awarded for particular levels. The Academy Awards are presented annually to school board members who meet the requirements.