Newsletter 2023 Issue 5

Join us for the 2023 VSBA Conference on Education on July 13, 2023 at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa at Short Pump. The conference will kick off with 2023 Virginia Teacher of the Year, Ms. Fabiana Parker from Spotsylvania County Public Schools. During the conference there will be over 20 break out sessions available for attendees to participate in. Titles include Avoiding FOIA Pitfalls, Flying Unmanned Aircraft, Implementation of a Recovery Academy, Working for Your Future, and many more! To view the full list, you can click the button below.

You can watch the video below to get more information on what is offered during this conference. If you have not already, speak with your division's clerk to register for the 2023 Conference on Education!

In school board governance, decision-making often involves unanticipated challenges that can result in troubling outcomes. To avoid such situations, it is key for board members to adopt a collaborative code of conduct and norms and protocols, anticipate dilemmas using a problem-based approach, surround themselves with good people, and commit to doing things the right way with honesty and integrity. This article explores these strategies.

One way to avoid troubling outcomes is by adopting a collaborative code of conduct. The Virginia School Boards Association's Code of Conduct is a useful framework that commits board members to advocate for students and public education. Boards should adopt a code that addresses their fundamental beliefs and sets high standards, as the board's actions will be viewed and judged by the individuals the organization serves. The VSBA Code serves as an example that can be updated or modified based on the preference of the Board.

Creating governance norms and protocols is also important for board governance. These norms and protocols provide a clear framework for decision-making, ensuring consistency and transparency. They also set guidelines for board members’ conduct, promoting accountability and integrity. Additionally, governance norms and protocols foster effective communication and collaboration among board members and the superintendent. They enable productive discussions and create a positive working environment. Well-defined norms and protocols also help address conflicts in a fair manner, maintaining public trust in the school district's leadership. Ultimately, establishing these norms strengthens the governance structure and improves the quality of education for students.

Although it is impossible to anticipate all challenges, board members can prepare themselves by exploring real-world problems and challenges using a problem-based approach. This approach involves studying relevant real-life situations and asking what you would do in these situations. Board training and problem-based learning provide a forum to think strategically about current and future challenges and opportunities.

Effective board governance is essential to avoid troubling outcomes, and collaboration is key. Critical decisions must be made with input from all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the decisions align with the goals and values of the organization. Regularly scheduled facilitated trainings and retreats provide an opportunity for the board governance team to plan strategically, build relationships, and share valuable information with the entire group. These sessions help ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals, reducing the likelihood of conflict and confusion.

Selecting the right superintendent is also critical to the success of the school division. The superintendent is responsible for performing the day-to-day expectations of the board and leading the division effectively. It's essential to choose someone who is a good fit for both the governance team and the division. A thorough selection process that includes input from all relevant stakeholders can help ensure the best fit.

To avoid troubling outcomes in school board governance, board members must be proactive in defining their standards and anticipating potential dilemmas, while building their board governance team. By implementing these strategies, board members can navigate the challenges of decision-making with confidence and ensure that their actions are aligned with their commitment to students and public education. Effective governance is crucial in promoting the success of the school division. Fortunately, the Virginia School Boards Association offers professional development activities through the VSBA Academy and Center for Board Development to address these important topics. If you are interested in learning more or taking advantage of these services, please contact Tom Brewster, Director of Member Services, at [email protected].

Each local school board may submit one name/nomination for consideration. The nomination must be approved by the school board, and the nominee must be a current school board member. Nominations are due no later than August 18, 2023. Please submit your nomination via email to J.T. Kessler, VSBA Director of Legislative Services, at [email protected]. Nominations will undergo a review by the selection committee which will determine the award winner. You can access the nomination form by clicking the button below.

Attendees can now contact their division clerk to register for the 2023 VSBA Annual Convention to be held November 15-17 at the Colonial Williamsburg Lodge. This year's Keynote speakers are Liz Huntley, attorney and author, Sarita Maybin, communication expert, and Michael Thurmond, chief executive officer.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Mikaela Coffey, Director of Meetings and Conferences, at [email protected].

Jamie Vollmer, an acclaimed keynote and workshop presenter, has put together a shareable playlist online containing 25 videos. The purpose of this playlist is to help public school teachers, administrators, support staff, and Board members increase public support for their schools.

Vollmer is a featured past Annual Convention speaker. You can view the full playlist by clicking the button below!

The linked video may be shared with school board candidates who are looking for information about serving on the school board. Please feel free to distribute this video through your community to possible candidates or those considering running for school board!

We hope that you find this video helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to VSBA by emailing [email protected] or by calling 434-295-8722.

The 2023 VSBA School Law Conference took place on June 2, 2023 at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa Short Pump. We first heard from VSBA President, David Woodard, and Bradford King, Attorney at Sands Anderson, the sponsor for the day.

Our first presentation of the day was from Donna Michaelis, Director at Division of Public Safety Training and the Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety, and James Christian, manager. This presentation focused on the Preventative Behavioral Threat Assessment in the Educational Setting - Interrupting Potential Violence and Providing Supports.

The second presentation was on Special Education 101: The Essentials of IDEA, IEPs, and Due Process. The presenters were Emily Haslebacher, Associate, and John Cafferky, Partner, at Blankingskip & Keith, P.C.

After a networking break, Micah Schwartz, Attorney at Williams Mullen, talked on Teachers' Free Speech and Free Exercise Rights After Kennedy v. Bremerton School District.

Before adjournment and lunch, we received a legislative update from Virginia School Boards Association's J.T. Kessler, Director of Legislative Services and Stacy Haney, Chief Lobbyist.

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.

Registration is now open for the 2023 UBA Symposium.

Programming will begin at 1:00 PM on August 24 and end at 3:00 PM on August 25.

Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk

301 East North Water Street

Chicago, IL 60611

The VSBA has three recognition programs that school boards and school board members may apply for each year. Please review the below information for a description of each award and a link to the nomination forms.

To be considered by the judges, the official nomination form and supporting materials for each of the award programs must be received by July 21, 2023.

Please do not hesitate to contact VSBA should you have any questions. For questions, please email [email protected] or call 800-466-8722

September 21, 2023 - Legislative Advocacy Conference

School board member voices need to be heard, the stakes for public education have never been higher and school board members must be prepared to advocate effectively for public schools.

Join VSBA at our 2023 Legislative Advocacy Conference where attendees will gain valuable insight into the issues that promise to have lasting impacts on the Commonwealth. This conference will inform and educate school board members as leaders to discuss implementing the Virginia Literacy Act, a glimpse into how current events will influence the direction of the 2024 General Assembly, and much more. This conference also includes a session designed to meet the requirement that each school board member receive COIA training.

Register today for this exciting and informative conference! This is a hybrid event so you can attend in person or virtually.

Location: Chesterfield Career & Technical Center

Cost: $220 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]