The School Board Member Alliance (SBMA) hosted its annual EmpowerED Symposium in Glen Allen, Virginia, on December 5 and 6, drawing school board members from across the state to discuss education strategies and share best practices. The two-day event featured dynamic sessions focused on student achievement and leadership development, offering board members tools to navigate the challenges of public education governance.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin made a surprise appearance to encourage attendees and commend their dedication to serving students and families. “What an honor it is to be with you,” Governor Youngkin said. “Our number one objective is to serve and educate Virginia’s families and their children in a way that cannot be replicated anyplace else because of who we are, what we are, and what our opportunities are. So thank you.”

The Governor emphasized the critical role school board members play, calling it “the toughest and most important job in the country.” He also praised SBMA’s rapid rise as an influential organization, noting, “What has happened here, where we all of a sudden see the School Board Member Alliance stand up and become a driving force in literally less than two years, is remarkable.”

Youngkin encouraged attendees to recruit others to join their ranks, saying, “We’re going to need more of you. Every year, every meeting, we just need more and more of you in this room. You can count on me helping you find friends to sit at the table with you.”

In addition to Governor Youngkin, the symposium featured a lineup of influential speakers, including Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and Attorney General Jason Miyares, who both addressed attendees with messages of support and encouragement. 

Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera and Deputy Secretary of Education Emily Anne Gullickson provided insights into statewide initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes. Virginia Board of Education (VBOE) President Grace Creasey and VBOE member Dr. Meg Bryce also spoke at the event, focusing on the new accountability framework that goes into effect next year.

One of the most well-received sessions, “Strategic Planning,” focused on keeping student achievement at the forefront of board priorities. One attendee called the session, “an excellent reminder about the need to remain focused on student achievement.”

Board members expressed their appreciation for the event: “The symposium was FANTASTIC in every way. Many thanks for all your hard work,” one member said.

The EmpowerED Symposium reinforced the importance of collaboration, leadership, and innovation in education, leaving attendees inspired and better equipped to tackle the challenges ahead.