To increase awareness of and support for each and every student in Virginia’s public schools, the VSBA Board of Directors has designated March as VSBA Equity in Education Month. This annual focus highlights the importance of ensuring all students across Virginia have access to the resources and opportunities needed to achieve positive academic outcomes and well-being.

Equity policies are central to Virginia’s long-term community quality of life, economic competitiveness, and resilience. They’re not just about fairness, they directly shape the Commonwealth’s ability to grow, attract talent, retain families, and compete nationally. Advancing equity in education is a statewide opportunity to grow Virginia’s “K-12 Advantage,” and is particularly important for students impacted by economic hardship and other barriers to learning. When inequities are reduced or eliminated, the effects extend beyond schools, improving workforce readiness, community quality of life, and Virginia’s long-term economic vitality.

School board members, superintendents, educators, families, and community partners all play a critical role in fostering learning environments where students can thrive and graduate prepared for success after high school.

To support local efforts, the VSBA has compiled the below resources:

2026 VSBA Equity in Education Month Toolkit

Understanding Equity vs. Equality in Education, a VSBA guide designed to help school boards understand and be able to communicate the difference between equity and equality when addressing the diverse needs of students in our schools.

For questions or additional information, please contact the Office of Communications at 434-295-8722 or via email at communications@vsba.org.

Click below to watch a special PSA from VSBA President Jenny Nichols!

Thank you to this year’s sponsor of Equity in Education Month!