“I have a few questions....”
Are all school board members required to participate in board training?
Yes! During the 1988 General Assembly, a state requirement for local school board member training was added to Standard 5 of the Standards of Quality. Effective July 1, 1988, “each local school board shall require its members to participate annually in high-quality professional development activities at the state, local, or national levels on governance, including but not limited to, personnel, policies and practices, curriculum and instruction; use of data in planning and decision making; and current issues in education as part of their service on the local board”
(Section 22.1-253.13:5D).
If I attend the VSBA School Board Academy each year will I be in compliance with the state requirement for board member training?
YES! In 1988, the State Board of Education adopted the motion, “The VSBA School Board Academy fulfills the requirement of Section 22.1-253.13:5D for local school board member training. The Board of Education approves of the Academy and encourages new and experienced board members to avail themselves of this program.”
How do I receive a VSBA School Board Academy Award?
As a member of the VSBA, you are automatically enrolled in the Academy, which was established July 1, 1986. The VSBA records participation in the Academy activities through registration and membership information. To receive credit for other endorsed activities, such as the NSBA Convention, you must submit evidence of your attendance to the VSBA. Awards will be recognized in the VSBA Annual Report. Pins and certificates are mailed prior to the Annual Convention to the local school division so that a local recognition ceremony can be held.
Does attendance at meetings other than those listed on the VSBA Academy schedule of activities qualify for VSBA Academy credit?
NO. Only those activities listed officially as part of the VSBA School Board Academy schedule of activities qualify for VSBA Academy credit.
Boardsmanship Awards
You deserve recognition for the personal effort you make to improve your boardmanship skills. Through Academy sessions and VSBA governance and service activities, you earn credits for VSBA Academy Awards which are based on participation from July 1 to June 30 of each Academy year.
Award Levels Certificate of Recognition
15 credits/year — certificate
Award of Achievement
24 credits/year — certificate & bronze pin
Award of Excellence
48 credits/2 years — certificate & silver pin
Award of Honor
66 credits/2 years — certificate & gold pin
Award of Distinction
84 credits/2 years — certificate & starfish pin
VSBA Board of Distinction This is awarded to those school boards that meet specific requirements in four key areas: planning, policy, promotion and board development. If a board meets the criteria it is eligible for designation as a VSBA Board of
Distinction. The judges are composed of the Committee Chairmen of the VSBA Board of Directors (3 VSBA Academy Credits.)
VSBA School Board of the Year
This award honors one outstanding local school board. A nominated board must be a member of the VSBA at the time of nomination and selection. Judges for this award are composed of the At-Large Members of the VSBA Board of Directors (6 VSBA Academy credits.)
VSBA All Virginia School Board
This award recognizes one outstanding school board member from each of the nine VSBA regions. The nine VSBA Regional Chairmen who serve on the Board of Directors collectively judge and select the members of the VSBA All Virginia School Board. (6 VSBA Academy credits.)
| Confer ence Attendance | |
|---|---|
| • Governor’s Conference | 10 credits |
| • New School Board Member Orientation | 6 credits |
| • VSBA Annual Convention | 16 credits |
| • VSBA Hot Topics Conference | 6 credits |
| • VSBA Legislative Conference | 10 credits |
| • VSBA Spring Regional Meetings | 3 credits |
| • VSBA Conference on School Law | 10 credits |
| • VSBA Topical Conferences | 3-9 credits |
| • VSBA Center for Board Development | 3 credits |
| • Other (NSBA, AASA, NSPRA) | 3 credits |
| • VSBA Early Bird (Annual Convention) | 2 credits |
VSBA Governance and Service*
- VSBA Officer (Pres./Pres.-Elect/Past Pres.) 9 credits
- Chairman of VSBA Standing Committee 6 credits
- VSBA Regional Chairman 6 credits
- VSBA Board of Directors Member At-Large 3 credits
- Voting Delegate to VSBA Delegate Assembly 3 credits
- VSBA Committee Member 3 credits
- VSBA regional vice-president/secretary 3 credits
- VSBA, NSBA, AASA, NSPRA program presider, presenter, panelist (12 max./yr) 3 credits
- Provide VSBA testimony to state legislative/ congressional committees (9 max/yr) 3 credits
- Write article for VSBA publications (9 max/yr) 3 credits
- Serve on state/VSBA task force or as appointee 3 credits to other education related entities (DOE/VHSL) representing VSBA when recommended or appointed by VSBA President (9 max/ yr)
*VSBA Board of Directors members are excluded from additional credits if their position requires performing certain functions, e.g. presiding at or chairing activities.
