News Release
For Immediate Release
November 18, 2024
Contact
Gina Patterson, executive director
434-295-8722 or gina@vsba.org
Annual Convention Brings Together Education Leaders From
Across the Commonwealth
Charlottesville, VA – November 20-22, 2024, the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) will bring together over 900 education leaders—including school board members, superintendents, division administrators, and education officials—at the highly anticipated VSBA Annual Convention in Williamsburg, VA. This dynamic gathering offers school division leadership across the Commonwealth the chance to explore national and state educational trends, build connections with peers, and gather innovative best practices to strengthen their local school divisions.
Convention Highlights:
- Professional Development: Attendees will engage in over 45 workshops, clinics, and sessions on critical topics such as board governance, empowering student voices, K-12 mental health, advocacy, educational trends, and community engagement.
- Exhibitors Scholarship: Funded by VSBA convention exhibitors, this scholarship is awarded to Spring 2025 graduating seniors who have served as student school board representatives. Scholarship recipients will be announced during the opening general session, spotlighting their achievements.
- High School Video Contest: This year’s video contest theme, “Kindness,” challenged high school students across Virginia to craft compelling 30-second videos. Contest winners will be celebrated at the convention’s opening general session, with their videos inspiring all attendees.
- Exhibition of School Architecture: Showcasing innovative school designs, this exhibition highlights the powerful impact of well-designed learning environments, from sustainable features to multi-functionality and security, underscoring how thoughtful architecture fosters effective learning.
- School Board Clerks Workshop: School board clerks will gather for specialized sessions on critical topics including communication, resources, parliamentary procedures, and the importance of well-structured agendas, led by experts like Dr. JoWanda Rollins-Fells and Carlos Clanton.
Featured General Session Speakers:
Sam Glenn: Known for his high-energy, humor-filled keynotes, Sam Glenn captivates audiences, setting a positive tone for learning and growth. For nearly 30 years, his inspirational and artistic presentations have motivated audiences of all sizes, making him a favorite among attendees.
Colonel Arthur J. Athens: A retired Marine Corps officer and esteemed speaker, Col. Athens brings insights on leadership with excellence and humility. His extensive experience includes serving as the inaugural Distinguished Military Professor of Leadership at the U.S. Naval Academy.
Dr. Donna Beegle: A trailblazer who overcame generational poverty, Dr. Beegle’s personal journey and deep expertise on poverty’s impacts resonate powerfully. Her research and advocacy focus on lifting children and families out of poverty, making her a compelling voice for change.
For a full convention schedule and details on speakers and presentations, visit VSBA’s Annual Convention page.
About the Virginia School Boards Association
The Virginia School Boards Association, a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of Virginia school boards, promotes excellence in public education through advocacy, training, and services. The Association offers conferences, information, training, and counseling designed to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s educational leaders.
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