Interview with the New VSBA President |
At the 2023 Virginia School Boards Association Delegate Assembly, Dr. Cardell Patillo of Portsmouth City Public Schools was elected as the 2024 VSBA President. Below is an interview that VSBA conducted with Dr. Patillo to gain more insight on his goals for his year as president to share with VSBA membership. Dr. Patillo was also a guest on the VSBA School Board News Podcast for November. You can listen to the podcast here.
Congratulations on becoming the president of the state school boards association! What inspired you to take on this role, and what do you hope to achieve during your tenure?
I am a firm believer in the impact that public education has on the lives of children. VSBA has continued to advocate for the wellbeing of students, teachers, and families. I desire to continue to build on the hard work of those before me as I move into the office of president.
How can school boards work together to meet student's needs that are not directly academic, but may impact student learning, behavior, or classroom management?
Grassroots advocacy continues to be the most effective strategy to achieve additional support for public schools. As school boards advocate together for shared priorities such as mental health resources, school safety, school infrastructure and staff retention, we will create learning environments that will prove to be successful for all students.
Can you share any plans for increasing parental and community engagement in the decision-making process of the school boards?
During my tenure as president, I will be traveling to speak with school boards, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to ensure that their voices are heard. Direct communication and engagement are key to ensuring that everyone has a role in the success of our public schools.
As the nation grows more divided and education is often the direct target of culture wars, students can be left feeling excluded, alienated, or less than their peers. How can school boards find common ground to ensure that all students in our state receive a quality education, regardless of their background?
As school boards we should always ensure that our decisions are non-partisan in theory and that we are doing what is best for students and teachers. My focus as president will be on our shared priorities of local control and students and schools in challenging environments. The needs of students are different in every state, region, and city, but local control guarantees that school boards have the autonomy to meet those various needs. Our collective goal is to guarantee that all students have what they need to be successful and that is far greater than any partisan rhetoric or divisiveness.
-Dr. Cardell Patillo
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Dr. Cardell Patillo
VSBA President
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Issue Highlights
Setting Up Your New Team for Success
2023 VSBA Annual Convention Highlights
The Journey to a Kinder World Starts with Us
2023 VSBA Delegate Assembly Recap
2024 Session of the Virginia General Assembly
Take Your Legislator to School Month Recap
52 Weeks of Reading Program; Division Spotlight
2023 Annual Convention Award Winners
Addressing Misconceptions of the VSBA
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Dates to Remember
January 22-23:
January 23:
March 23:
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Gina G. Patterson
Executive Director
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From the Executive Director |
A Heartfelt End-of-Year Thank You to Our
Dedicated School Board Members
As we approach the end of this eventful year, I am compelled to express my deepest gratitude to each one of you for your unwavering commitment to the education and well-being of the children in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Your tireless efforts on behalf of K-12 education do not go unnoticed, and it is with immense appreciation that I extend my thanks for the incredible work you do.
A special acknowledgment is due to those board members who are transitioning off their local boards at the end of December. Your service has been invaluable, and though the responsibilities may have seemed daunting at times, your contributions have left an indelible mark not only on the public-school children of Virginia but on the Commonwealth as a whole. Your dedication to fostering positive change and ensuring a brighter future for our youth is truly commendable.
I want to express a heartfelt thank you to our Immediate Past President, David Woodard. In a year that can only be described as a roller coaster, David's steadfast leadership has been a beacon of strength. Despite the challenges, he kept the main thing the main thing, staying true to the foundation of our association—a non-partisan organization dedicated to leadership, advocacy, and support for our member boards.
As we bid farewell to one exceptional leader, it is with great excitement that we welcome Dr. Cardell Patillo into his new role as the President of the VSBA. Dr. Patillo has demonstrated a commitment to focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us, and we are confident that his leadership will continue to propel us forward in the coming year.
A heartfelt thank you also goes out to the entire VSBA Board of Directors, who have served tirelessly throughout the year. Balancing responsibilities on both local and state levels is no small feat, and your dedication has not gone unnoticed. Your efforts have undoubtedly made a significant impact on the education landscape in Virginia.
Looking ahead to 2024, we acknowledge that changes may be on the horizon. Rest assured that the VSBA is steadfast in its commitment to serving our member boards. The decisions made by the majority boards at the Delegate Assembly during the annual convention were crucial, reflecting our collective dedication to the betterment of education in the Commonwealth.
On behalf of the entire staff and myself, I extend my deepest thanks to each and every one of you. Your passion, dedication, and hard work are the driving force behind the success of the VSBA, and we are honored to work alongside such an exceptional group of individuals.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a happy new year!
Thanks for all that you do.
-GP
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The Journey to a Kinder World Starts with Us |
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During this year’s annual conference, we displayed the VSBA Be Kind Campaign, an opportunity to honor and celebrate kindness. This campaign urges everyone to infuse kindness into every decision and interaction. The integrity of this organization requires us to acknowledge what we do well and to correct ourselves when we are out of alignment with our values.
The disruptive behavior displayed by a few during the presentation by the Governor was both regrettable and unacceptable. Such actions reflect poorly on the entire association and are weaponized against us in the public sphere. We had been talking about being kind all conference, yet some did just the opposite. This behavior will not and cannot be accepted.
VSBA sent the following letter to the Governor to address the embarrassing behavior of some of our members. We understand members will not always agree with policymakers; however, VSBA will never condone disrespectful engagement, especially towards a guest. The incident was an unfortunate blemish on an otherwise impactful conference.
When we invite a guest speaker, we must uphold the principles of respect and civility. In the current challenging atmosphere of public education, our association cannot afford to contribute to further division. Let us commit to fostering an environment that encourages constructive dialogue and refrains from actions that may harm our collective reputation. Civility starts at home.
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2023 VSBA Annual Convention Highlights |
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School Board Members from all across the Commonwealth traveled to Williamsburg to attend the 2023 VSBA Annual Convention, November 15-17. Over 800 school governance leaders attended the convention, participating in more than 45 workshops, clinics and critical issue sessions focused on topics such as board governance, developing local capacity, school law, school construction, advocacy, teacher recruitment and retention, educational trends, and energy/sustainability practices. Attendees were able to participate both in-person or virtually. |
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JT Kessler
Director, Legislative Services
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2023 VSBA Delegate Assembly Update |
The Virginia School Boards Association held its 2023 Delegate Assembly Thursday, November 16, 2023. Delegates from across the Commonwealth met to discuss and consider four new or amended legislative proposals. The proposals were provided to every school board member in the Delegate Assembly Handbook which was sent via email on October 2, 2023.
VSBA President David R. Woodard called the meeting to order and led the assembly through the approval of the minutes from the 2022 Delegate Assembly, the report of the nominating committee, and delivered the President’s report recapping the association’s highlights during the past year. The meeting proceeded with President Woodard providing an overview of the four new or amended proposals for consideration by the Delegate Assembly.
- Proposal 1: Amendment to Current Legislative Position 8.1 School Facility Construction Funds and Financing
- Proposal 2: Amendment to Current Legislative Position 4.16 Employee Criminal Background Checks
- Proposal 3: New Legislative Position regarding School Zone Safety Standards
- Proposal 4: New Legislative Position regarding Judicial Enforcement of Truancy
Delegates voted to approve proposals 1, 2, and 3 as a block. Legislative Proposal 4 was removed from the block for discussion and then approved by the delegates following the conclusion of debate.
The approved proposals will be included in the 2024 VSBA Legislative Positions Handbook. This handbook will be shared with school board members in mid-December. To view the current VSBA Legislative Positions Handbook click here. The Association's lobbying efforts are based on positions contained in the VSBA Legislative Positions Handbook that is approved each year by the VSBA Delegate Assembly. Local school boards are not bound to this handbook and can adopt local positions on legislation and policy.
Before adjourning the assembly, President Woodard recognized outgoing members of the VSBA Board of Directors and introduced the 2024 Board of Directors.
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2024 Session of the Virginia General Assembly |
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The 2024 Session of the Virginia General Assembly will convene January 10, 2024, at noon and the Virginia School Boards Association Government Relations Team is committed to keeping you up to date with the most current happenings during session.
To provide school board members with the latest information from Richmond, the VSBA Government Relations team will again conduct the weekly Fridays from Richmond briefings via Zoom beginning at 3:00 p.m. throughout the legislative session. These sessions allow school board members an opportunity to interact with the Government Relations Team by asking questions on pending legislation and strategies on how to advocate with your local delegation. You must register for each weekly update at the links below!
January 12, 2024:
March 1, 2024:
March 15, 2024:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from Zoom containing information about joining the meeting. Please contact VSBA Director of Legislative Services, J.T. Kessler, at [email protected] if you have any questions about Fridays from Richmond.
Throughout the 2024 Session, be sure to check out the VSBA Legislative Update Blog and monitor VSBA on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) daily for real time information from the general assembly, as well as responding to any Legislative Action Alerts from the VSBA Government Relations team.
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VSBA Take Your Legislator to School Month Recap
School Boards Across Virginia Host Legislators During 2023
"VSBA Take Your Legislator to School Month"
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Each November, school divisions across the Commonwealth welcome members of the Virginia General Assembly and other elected public servants into their buildings to celebrate the VSBA Take Your Legislator to School Month initiative. VSBA Take Your Legislator to School Month is designed to promote a closer relationship between leaders in public education, members of the Virginia General Assembly, and other key policymakers at each level of government. |
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Halifax County Public Schools
Halifax County Public Schools hosted Delegates Tommy Wright and James Edmunds at Halifax County Middle School. The legislators got a firsthand look at middle school students exploring career and technical education early, in the Great Opportunities in Technology & Engineering Careers classroom. A class of 7th grade civic students had an opportunity to speak with Del. Wright and Del. Edmunds and ask them and school administrators questions about everything from Standards Of Learning to the school division's new high school.
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Washington County Public Schools
Washington County Public Schools hosted Virginia House Delegate Israel O'Quinn for a visit to John S. Battle High School. During the tour, they were able to showcase their brand-new urgent care facility, dedicated to serving all WCPS students and employees. During the visit, they also discussed their latest security initiative - a security vestibule entranceway designed to enhance safety and security measures within the schools.
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Prince George County Public Schools
Prince George County Public Schools welcomed Virginia House Delegate Carrie Coyner to tour the division's facilities and spend time with local students. The visit began as Del. Coyner joined as a guest of the district's annual community appreciation breakfast at Prince George High School. Del. Coyner was joined by PGCPS District Superintendent Dr. Lisa Pennycuff and PGCPS school board chair Christopher Johnson for a tour of Middle Road Elementary School.
During this tour, Del. Coyner visited several classes for reading sessions with students. Before leaving each class, she handed out special coloring and activity books to students containing educational information about Virginia government.
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Alexandria City Public Schools
Alexandria City Public Schools Hosted Senator Adam Ebbin, Delegate Charnelle Herring and Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker’s representative in visits to Alexandria City High School and William Ramsay Elementary School to learn about programs underway in the division.
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Chesapeake City Public Schools
Chesapeake City Schools hosted Senator Christie New Craig, Delegate N. Baxter Ennis, Delegate Jay Leftwich, Delegate Bonita Grace Anthony, Mr. Jackson Miller (Representing Senator L. Louise Lucas), Ms. Sheryl Moody-Reddington (Representing Delegate C. E. “Cliff” Hayes, Jr), and Mr. Nicholas Proffitt (Representing Attorney General Jason S. Miyares) at the Chesapeake Career Center to discuss CTE and other education programs being implemented in the school division.
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Thank you to each school division that participated and shared stories and photos from Take Your Legislator to School Month 2023! These meetings provide context for policymakers on the daily operations that occur in our schools. Successful advocacy cannot be a one-time meeting with elected officials. Build on your meetings/relationships developed from this past month and continue to engage your legislative delegation throughout the year. |
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Samantha Bosserman
Deputy Executive Director
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Setting Up Your New Team for Success |
No role prepares you for serving on the school board. I have heard from retired educators (including former Superintendents!), former PTA Presidents, parents, community leaders, and others that they thought they knew what serving on the board entailed, until they actually got into the seat. The role of a school board member can be complex and challenging, and many new school board members don’t know what they don’t know.
It is important for new members to receive training, information, and support as they navigate the complexities of board service. Providing resources for new board members can help with this transition and VSBA has a number of resources available to boards who are welcoming new members of the team.
First is a document dedicated to Hosting a Local Board Orientation. This document provides you with sample agendas, information to provide, and other helpful tips on introducing your new members to the way things work in your school division.
Next, the “What Every New School Board Member Needs To Know” document is a quick fill in the blank document to help provide contact information, demographics, board protocols, and more. If you have a defined set of board norms and protocols, those should be provided to new members as soon as possible along with this document.
There is also a new school board member handbook that was printed and sent via mail to all new school board members from VSBA. This document helps provide an overview of school board service with interesting articles and information about serving on the school board.
Don’t forget, VSBA offers a new member orientation session in Richmond where new school board members can attend to learn information about school law, communications, ethics, parliamentary procedure, and more. This orientation session should not take the place of conducting a local orientation- it should complement it.
Every school board member was once a new school board member. Think back to your first year on the board and ask yourself what resources would have been helpful. Provide the opportunity for new board members to ask questions and learn more about their role. Ensure that the continuing board is open to assisting new board members through this process. Set up your new team for success from the beginning- the success of your board, school division, and students depend on it.
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Conducting a Local Board Orientation Guide |
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We are excited to share with you a valuable new resource that has been developed to facilitate the onboarding process for new school board members. At the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA), our commitment to supporting effective governance in education extends beyond advocacy and training. We are pleased to introduce our latest publication: "Conducting a Local Board Orientation for New School Board Members."
This guide was crafted to assist you in acclimating new board members to their roles, responsibilities, and the local educational landscape. We believe that a well-structured orientation program is essential for the success of your school board, and this publication is designed to serve as a practical, step-by-step manual to ensure a smooth transition for new members. For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to the VSBA. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Additionally, we'd like to remind you of an important upcoming event. On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, we will be hosting a VSBA New School
Board Member/Superintendent orientation session at the Delta Hotel in Richmond. This session is an excellent opportunity to supplement the local orientation process and provide your new board members with a broader perspective on statewide issues and trends in education. We strongly encourage you to sign up your new members for this session to enrich their understanding of their roles.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at [email protected] or call 800-446-8722. |
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VSBA 2024 Employer Commendation Program |
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The VSBA Employer Commendation Program was created to thank the employers of school board members for providing the support and/or encouragement that is often needed to perform school board duties in addition to their day-to-day job tasks.
Upon the recommendation of any Virginia school board, the VSBA Executive Director will send to the board member’s employer a letter of commendation and a certificate suitable for framing and display during the month of February in recognition of School Board Appreciation Month.
If you are a school board member who is also employed full-time (salaried or hourly wage) that would like to submit a recommendation for a letter and certificate to be mailed to your employer, please email [email protected] with the subject 2024 Employer Commendation Submission including your employer’s name and mailing address no later than January 22, 2024.
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Help Us Celebrate School Boards and Clerks in February! |
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52 Weeks of Reading Program Aims to Increase
Family Engagement, Foster Love of Reading
Division Spotlight: Roanoke City Public Schools
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Literacy is embedded in every facet of Roanoke City Public Schools, both inside and outside the classroom. To celebrate reading and to increase family engagement during the 2023-2024 school year, RCPS launched 52 Weeks of Reading in August. The new initiative invites students and their families to tune in for a virtual story time every week at 7 p.m. Each week, a different reader from within the school division encourages families to have discussions with their children following the story time.
52 Weeks of Reading was created by the school division to facilitate reading beyond the school day and to encourage families to be engaged and involved with their student’s education. 52 Weeks of Reading is generously sponsored by Cox Communications and Gentry Locke Attorneys, and all funds raised will support RCPS’ new Booker T. Washington Community Empowerment and Education Center, which is scheduled to open in 2025.
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“Reading is one of the foundational blocks of literacy, and literacy is a skill that is utilized throughout every single subject area,” said RCPS Superintendent Dr. Verletta White. “When we are talking about students graduating with a diploma and a resume, literacy is the thread that brings it all together. It is the bedrock of employability, post-secondary opportunities, and students’ positive self-esteem and self-worth.”
Through the partnership with Cox, RCPS brought former NFL Super Bowl Champion Malcolm Mitchell to Roanoke to share a message of encouragement, resiliency, and respect, along with the importance of reading and digital literacy, as students began the school year. Mr. Mitchell visited James Madison Middle School and Lincoln Terrace Elementary School on Monday, Aug. 28 to kick off 52 Weeks of Reading, and he was also the program’s inaugural reader.
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“Someone like Malcolm Mitchell — and so many role models that we have here in the Roanoke Valley — can show our learners how important it is to develop a love of reading,” Dr. White said.
Mitchell played for the New England Patriots in the 2017 Super Bowl and founded the Share the Magic Foundation, which has the mission of transforming children’s lives through literacy. Among his numerous awards and accomplishments both on and off the field, he considers discovering a love of reading one of his greatest achievements.
“Growing up, I believed that football was the most important thing in the world. Once I got to the University of Georgia, I realized that the most self-empowering tool a human being could possess is the ability to read proficiently,” Mr. Mitchell said during his visit.
Teachers, staff, and administrators have also been spotlighted as guest readers, allowing students to hear from their teachers and role models. Readers have ranged from 2024 RCPS Teacher of the Year Jasmine Swann to Dr. White. Some guest readers have also brought special guests of their own; Chief Operations Chris Perkins, a former Roanoke police chief, invited local service dog Scarlett to help him read “Officer Buckle and Gloria” and several readers have brought props to help them tell their story.
Videos are published to the RCPS website, Facebook, and YouTube, which include closed captioning that can be translated into other languages. Visit bit.ly/52WeeksofReading to learn more.
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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 email it to [email protected] with the subject: Division Spotlight and your school division's name. Pictures and a link to the story on your division/school's website should also be included with the submission.
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Congratulations to the VSBA Exhibitors Scholarship Winners! |
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Congratulations to this year's Exhibitor Scholarship winners! We asked all three recipients a few questions: |
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Aaron Lin
Woodside High School
Newport News City Public Schools
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Why were you interested in serving as the student representative on your school board?
I want to help students in my community beyond just at my high school. By helping, I have a way of fostering their voices and addressing their concerns to better my school division and community.
What has been your most memorable experience serving as the student representative on the school board?
As the Co-chair of the Student Advisory Group on Education, where we have monthly meetings with the superintendent to discuss our concerns. I enjoy listening to representatives from the 6 high schools in my division, discussing the issues that are important to us, and addressing them in real time.
What does receiving the VSBA Exhibitors Scholarship mean to you?
As a first-generation college student, this scholarship will not only alleviate the financial burden of college, but also allow for me to explore my interests. Whether it is applied origami in engineering or economic principles, I can be confident and not afraid to challenge myself.
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Why were you interested in serving as the student representative on your school board?
Initially, I knew I wanted to serve as a student representative on my school board because I love public speaking and wanted to serve as a leader to make a direct impact in my community.
What has been your most memorable experience serving as the student representative on the school board?
My most memorable experience as a student representative has been offering a unique perspective on issues that may not have been considered before. Just knowing I'm making a difference for my school by bridging the gap between the students and the school board is memorable.
What does receiving the VSBA Exhibitors Scholarship mean to you?
Receiving the VSBA Exhibitors Scholarship means the absolute world to me. I am beyond thankful because I know its contribution to my education will go a long way. I’m so glad my hard work is paying off and I plan to continue making a difference in my society.
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Victoria Daniel
Amelia County High School
Amelia County Public Schools
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Anthony Bright
Bland County High School
Bland County Public Schools
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Why were you interested in serving as the student representative on your school board?
I was interested in serving because I wanted to make a difference in my community and school. I saw this opportunity to be greater than myself and I know that being a student representative will open many doors of opportunity. This position, I knew, would be the most beneficial thing I could do for myself and for the betterment of my community.
What do you hope to do after high school graduation?
After high school I plan on attending Virginia Tech to continue my education in aerospace engineering. My dream is to become an aerospace engineer at NASA. It has been my dream ever since I was a little boy. The ultimate goal in my life is to make my mother proud with every major accomplishment in my life.
What does receiving the VSBA Exhibitor Scholarship mean to you?
Receiving this scholarship is nothing short of extraordinary as it allows me to relieve some of my financial burdens and continue to get an education in what I love. Receiving the VSBA Exhibitors Scholarship is a complete honor that I will never forget and will be continually grateful for.
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Thank you to the sponsors: Platinum - BPA; Gold- Optima Health and VMDO; and Silver- Branch Builds, Howard Shockey, Schneider Electric, and SFE |
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Congratulations to the 2023 High School Student Video Contest Winners |
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Clover Hill High School (Chesterfield County Public Schools)
Culpeper County High School (Culpeper County Public Schools)
Riverheads High School (Augusta County Public Schools)
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This year's award was sponsored by: |
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VSBA Regional School Board
Member of the Year
The Regional School Board Member of the Year Award recognizes school board members from across the state for their boardsmanship qualities. One school board member in each region may be recognized. Congratulations to Raymond Whitaker, Essex County School Board, for being named the Eastern Region School Board Member of the Year.
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VSBA Quarter Century Award
Dr. Deborah Goodwyn from Southampton County Public Schools was awarded the VSBA Quarter Century Award. This award is given to school board members who have served 25 consecutive years on their board.
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VSBA Regional School Board Member of the Year & Quarter Century Award Sponsored by: |
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Exhibition of School Architecture |
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Three architectural projects were recognized in the 2023 VSBA Exhibition of School Architecture. Winning projects were selected from 10 entries submitted by six architectural firms in the areas of new construction, renovation, and adaptive use of existing space. These winners were recognized at the 2023 VSBA Annual Convention during the Wednesday opening general session on November 15, 2023.
AWARD: Platinum Design Award
FIRM: Stantec Architecture Inc.
PROJECT: Meridian High School
DIVISION: Falls Church City Public Schools
AWARD: Gold Design Award
FIRM: VMDO Architects
PROJECT: Cardinal Elementary School
DIVISION: Arlington County Public Schools
AWARD: Silver Design Award
FIRM: Thompson & Litton, Inc.
PROJECT: Collaboration & Career Development Center
DIVISION: Floyd County Public Schools
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Grimm + Parker was chosen this year as the recipient for the Exhibition of School Architecture's "People's Choice Award" for their work on Westmoreland High School in Westmoreland County Public Schools. |
All of the Exhibition of School Architecture awards were sponsored by: |
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2023 Advocate for Education Award |
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Priscilla Liggon, a distinguished member of the Amherst County School Board, is the recipient of the 2023 Advocate for Education Award. This award recognizes school board members who have demonstrated significant and outstanding leadership, commitment, and contributions to public education. In addition, they have had an impact on their region and the Commonwealth, and have shown active involvement in local, state, and federal advocacy on behalf of their school division, VSBA, and public education. |
This year's award was sponsored by: |
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Addressing Misconceptions
about the Virginia School
Boards Association
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The Virginia School Boards Association is a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of Virginia school boards that promotes excellence in public education through leadership, advocacy and services. |
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What is the nature of membership in the VSBA?
Membership in VSBA is optional. It is a membership association formed specifically to serve school boards in Virginia. It is important to note that membership in the VSBA is made up of school boards as a whole, not individual school board members.
Does VSBA control the school board policies of local school divisions?
No, VSBA does not have control over the school board policies of local school divisions. The services we offer, including policy development and support, are optional, add-on services for VSBA members. Not all members of the VSBA are members of Policy Services. Sample school board policies aim to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and provide local boards with the autonomy to customize them according to their specific needs. It's false to say that VSBA controls, creates or establishes any local division's policies. Our role is to offer guidance and support.
What are the primary offerings and services of VSBA?
VSBA is a membership organization created to cater to local school boards. It provides networking opportunities, professional development sessions, and optional add-on services at competitive rates. Some of these services include Policy, Legal, BoardDocs, Governance Training, and Superintendent Searches.
Does VSBA align with political parties under different administrations?
VSBA operates as a nonpartisan association, emphasizing a commitment to issues rather than political affiliations. Its unwavering stance centers around opposing any measures that compromise the autonomy of local school divisions, a position that has remained consistent throughout the association's 116-year history. An example of this nonpartisan approach is provided by VSBA Policy Services’ response to both versions of the VDOE Model Policies drafted pursuant to Va. Code § 22.1-23.3. That law requires VDOE to develop and make available to every school board model policies concerning the treatment of transgender students and also requires each school board to adopt policies that are consistent with the VDOE Model Policies. In response to both the original VDOE document, which was released in 2021, and the current document, released in 2023, VSBA analyzed its existing sample policies and concluded that those sample policies are consistent with the VDOE Model Policies and thus that a school board which has adopted them is in compliance with the law.
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How are VSBA's legislative positions determined?
Legislative positions are proposed by member boards and evaluated by a committee with representatives from all nine regions of the VSBA. This committee then proposes positions to the Delegate Assembly in November, where a representative from each member school board votes on them. The resulting legislative positions handbook is what our legislative staff uses to lobby at the general assembly. These positions can be updated, edited, or newly proposed each year.
Do larger school divisions have a stronger voice in the association?
No, each school division is granted one vote at all meetings of the Association, including the VSBA Delegate Assembly, regardless of the size of their student population. In fact, 70% of member school divisions have less than 6,000 students.
Does VSBA monitor regulatory compliance for school boards?
No, VSBA does not keep track of or oversee compliance on matters required of school boards or school divisions.
Can VSBA enforce rules or regulations on a local school board?
No, VSBA is not a governing body and does not have any authority over local school boards or school divisions. Our primary role is to provide services, networking opportunities, professional development, and other benefits to our member boards.
Are VSBA board development training sessions and conference attendance mandatory?
No, both board development training sessions conducted by VSBA and VSBA conference attendance are optional. If a board decides to book a training session, it requires 100% attendance of school board members and the superintendent. However, boards are under no obligation to book such a session. Similarly, board members are not mandated to participate in any of VSBA's meetings, conferences, or webinars. These are offered as benefits to members.
Is VSBA subject to FOIA?
FOIA applies to a “public body” as defined in the FOIA statute. According to an opinion dated December 12, 2000, from the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council, it was determined that "VSBA does not fall under FOIA's definition of a public body.”
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We hope that this document provides clarity on common misconceptions about the VSBA. Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact VSBA. |
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Legally Mandated Training for School Board Members |
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Virginia law requires three types of training for school board members.
COIA Training
EVERY school board member is required to complete a training session for local officials on the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act (COIA) provided by the Virginia Conflict of interest and Ethics Advisory Council (the Ethics Council) within two months of assuming office and at least once every two years thereafter.
FOIA Training
Every ELECTED school board member is required to complete a training session on the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provided by the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council or the Board’s attorney within two months of assuming office and thereafter at least once every two calendar years. The FOIA Council provides both in-person training opportunities and on-line training which can be accessed here. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page to get to the information about training for local elected officials such as school board members.
Record Keeping for FOIA and COIA training
School board clerks are responsible for keeping track of when each board member completes the required FOIA and COIA training, so be sure to let your clerk know when you complete the required training.
Professional Development Required by the Standards of Quality
Va. Code § 22.1-253.13:5 (aka Standard 5) establishes that every school board must require its members to participate annually in high-quality professional development activities at the state, local, or national levels on governance. That training may include, but isn’t limited to, personnel policies and practices; the evaluation of personnel, curriculum, and instruction; use of data in planning and decision making; and current issues in education. Virginia law does not specify how much training school boards members must get each year or what counts as the required professional development; each school board must make those decisions for itself. Local school boards follow a wide variety of processes for deciding what counts as the required professional development. Some have board members submit requests before a program is attended. Others approve the professional development when they vote to approve the expenditure for the fee for the program. What process to follow is a local decision. The important thing is that every board decides which trainings satisfy the legal requirement and that every member receives the required training.
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Vendor Solicitations
We are aware that some members are receiving email solicitations from vendors. While we are grateful to our corporate sponsors and vendors who generously support many of our events, VSBA does not share the contact information of our members.
School board member contact information is publicly available on most school boards' websites. If you are receiving unwanted solicitations, please contact the companies directly to opt out.
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Thank you to the 2023 VSBA Business Affiliates
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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Clark Nexsen
Delivering K-12 design solutions for more than 20 years, our architects and engineers collaborate with our clients to create school environments that foster inquisitive thinking and promote interaction. We recognize the importance of balancing community context with modern instruction to develop customized solutions for our
K-12 clients.
Becky Brady | 757-455-5800
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Optima Health
Our mission is to improve health every day by providing quality, cost-effective healthcare. Optima offers plans for individuals, families and employer groups.
Stacy Fuqua | 757-687-6060
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Virginia Risk Sharing Association (VRSA)
VRSA provides comprehensive coverages, services, tools and resources. VRSA provides more than insurance, we are here to ease what worries our members.
Marcus Hensel | 804-237-7324
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UPCOMING EVENTS, WORKSHOPS, & WEBINARS
Join us for an exciting two-day journey at this year’s Capital Conference! We have an array of engaging sessions and discussions lined up to provide you with valuable insights into the 2024 General Assembly.
Location: Richmond Delta Marriott or Virtual
Cost: $260 per registration. Please reach out to your school division clerk to register for this event. For affiliate members, please reach out to Mikaela Coffey for registration at [email protected].
There are few elected or appointed positions as crucial to the future of our communities as school board members. VSBA is here to empower you in your new role and ensure you hit the ground running. In addition to the core curriculum, our VSBA Annual New Member Orientation Training recognizes the importance of your individual voice and your role within a governance team. We believe that your unique perspectives and contributions are invaluable to the success of your local school board.
Location: Richmond Delta Marriott or Virtual
Cost: $245 per registration. Please reach out to your school division clerk to register for this event. For affiliate members, please reach out to Mikaela Coffey for registration at [email protected].
Are you stepping into the role of School Board Chair or Vice-Chair for the first time, or have you been in either position for a while and are seeking to enhance your effectiveness? If your answer is yes to either of these questions, this session is tailored just for you!
During this orientation, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from experts who will cover a wide range of topics, all carefully curated to help you navigate your responsibilities seamlessly. Whether it’s fostering productive relationships with your superintendent, managing interactions with the local media, understanding parliamentary procedures, or addressing legal matters, our orientation has you covered.
Location: Richmond Delta Marriott
Cost: $245 per registration. Please reach out to your school division clerk to register for this event. For affiliate members, please reach out to Mikaela Coffey for registration at [email protected].
Join VSBA for an Extraordinary Saturday Hot Topic Conference at the Williamsburg Lodge! We’ve listened to the needs of our valued membership and are thrilled to invite you to wake up with VSBA on a Saturday for an unforgettable day of growth and connection. This conference introduces you to “The Trust Edge Experience,” a trusted methodology employed by name-brand companies worldwide. Discover how it empowers organizations to cultivate high-performing teams while establishing a common language that enhances connection, clarifies objectives, and boosts productivity.
Location: Williamsburg Lodge
Cost: $190 per registration. Please reach out to your school division clerk to register for this event. For affiliate members, please reach out to Mikaela Coffey for registration at [email protected].
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200 Hansen Road, Charlottesville, VA 22911
Tel: 434-295-8722 Fax: 434-295-8785
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