School Board Member Alliance of Virginia NEWS

Announcing SBMA’s America 250 Webinar Series – First Event January 28, January 28, 2026

SBMA Admin — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 22:13:11 GMT

SBMA is proud to partner with the Leadership Institute and the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to launch our America 250 Education Series, a mix of webinars and in-person events honoring our nation’s founding and strengthening civic understanding.

FIRST WEBINAR
America’s Founding Genius: How a New Idea Changed the World
Presenters: Tiffany Hoben & David Alred
Date: Wednesday, January 28
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP.

Themes include liberty, constitutional design, sacrifice, early American education, and civic virtue. Once you register, you will receive the link to the registration page.

️
America 250 Challenge Coin
Members who attend all Zoom sessions and at least one in-person event will receive a commemorative America 250 Challenge Coin.

We look forward to celebrating this historic milestone with you.

Breaking News: Virginia Raises Proficiency Cut Scores — But Change Will Be Gradual

SBMA Admin — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 12:11:29 GMT

The Virginia Board of Education has voted to raise the cut scores—the passing marks—for reading and math on the SOL tests. These new cut scores are designed to match Virginia’s tougher academic standards adopted in math (2023) and English (2024).

Goal: Make sure that a Virginia diploma truly signals students are ready for college, career, or the military.

Why Now?

Stronger standards, outdated measures. Until now, proficiency was judged against 2016 (math) and 2017 (English) standards. That meant students could “pass” without meeting today’s expectations.
Closing the honesty gap. Virginia’s bar was among the lowest in the nation, masking how students were really performing, especially after post-pandemic learning loss.

What School Boards Need to Know

This will not happen overnight. The new cut scores will be phased in over at least four years. The Board will set the final plan on October 24 after hearing more from divisions.
No school will lose accreditation because of this. Changing cut scores does not affect accreditation status.
Current seniors are protected. The Class of 2026 will still graduate using the existing 400 cut score for verified credits.
Growth counts. Students and schools will still be measured on progress, not just one-time scores.

Support Is Coming with Higher Expectations

$35 million targeted for literacy and math.
Flexible funding rules so divisions have more time to use grants effectively.
DOE regional support networks and a new strategy to help principals.
Division-specific impact data shared privately with each school system before public release.

Key Takeaways for School Board Members

Reassure your community. No schools are losing accreditation this year. Current students close to graduation are protected.
Plan for the phase-in. This is a multi-year change, not a sudden shift.
Use the support offered. Take advantage of DOE funding, coaching, and regional networks.
Communicate clearly. Parents and teachers need to know that while expectations are rising, time and resources are built in.

Bottom line: Virginia is raising the bar, but doing it gradually. Higher expectations are paired with funding, flexibility, and support to ensure students, teachers, and schools can succeed.

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Framing Higher SOL Cut Scores: A Growth Opportunity, Not a Threat

SBMA Admin — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 12:20:02 GMT

The Virginia Board of Education (VBOE) is in the process of approving higher proficiency cut scores for the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in math and reading/English language arts. Adopted in August 2025, these changes raise the thresholds that determine whether a student is classified as Failing, Proficient, or Advanced.

Why Did the Scores Change?

In spring 2025, Virginia rolled out updated SOL tests with new content in reading and math. Whenever tests change, the state must also adjust the cut scores, the numbers that define what counts as passing or excelling.

This time, the Board deliberately raised the bar. The goal is to align Virginia’s standards more closely with national benchmarks like the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and to give parents, teachers, and policymakers a more honest picture of whether students are truly on track for college and career readiness.

For years, Virginia has been criticized for having one of the nation’s widest “honesty gaps,” meaning students who appeared proficient on state tests often scored much lower on NAEP. Raising the cut scores is meant to close that gap and restore trust in Virginia’s assessments.

What’s Changing in the Numbers?

The SOL scale still runs from 0 to 600, but the point at which students are considered “Proficient” or “Advanced” is shifting upward. For example:

Grade 3 Reading: Proficient at 444, Advanced at 502
Grade 3 Math: Proficient at 443, Advanced at 521
Algebra I: Proficient at 453, Advanced at 518

These levels were not chosen at random. More than 200 educators, parents, and community leaders participated in setting them to ensure they reflect realistic expectations while raising standards.

Why Are Teachers and School Leaders Concerned?

While most agree that higher standards are necessary, teachers and administrators worry the changes will be used against them. A sudden drop in student pass rates could be misinterpreted as a decline in teacher performance rather than a reflection of the tougher bar.

This is where school boards have a vital role. They must make sure the community understands why the bar is being raised and reassure teachers that these results will be used as a tool for improvement, not punishment.

How School Boards Can Frame the Change

Higher Standards, Honest Data: The new cut scores don’t mean students are learning less; they mean the measurement is more accurate. Boards should stress that the goal is stronger preparation for life after graduation.
No Punishment for Teachers or Administrators: Teachers will not be evaluated solely on these new benchmarks. Boards should clarify that the purpose is to identify where extra support is needed.
Goal-Setting, Not Threats: Cut scores should be presented as guideposts to track progress and set goals, not as a way to criticize staff.
Support First, Accountability Second: Short-term dips are expected. Boards should prioritize resources like tutoring, remediation, and professional development.
Transparency with Families: Parents will see test scores drop initially. Boards must explain that this is normal when standards rise and emphasize the long-term benefits of higher expectations.

The Bottom Line

Virginia is deliberately raising the bar for student achievement to ensure honesty in reporting and stronger preparation for the future. School boards play a central role in shaping how this change is received. By framing higher cut scores as tools for growth, not weapons for blame—, boards can support teachers, reassure families, and build trust that this shift is an investment in better schools and brighter futures for Virginia’s students.

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PRESS RELEASE: Statement on Behalf of Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson

SBMA Admin — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 12:24:08 GMT

"There are multiple reports of deeply troubling publicly posted comments on social media about the assassination of Charlie Kirk made by Virginia school personnel. Celebrating or condoning political violence is unacceptable and has absolutely no place in Virginia’s public schools.

Parents entrust our educators with the care and development of their children, and they rightly expect teachers and school leaders to model the values of respect, civility, and responsibility. Anyone who would suggest the heinous murder of the father of two young children is acceptable should be disqualified from teaching or working with children again.

Local school divisions should promptly investigate these reports in accordance with their policies and local Standards of Professional Conduct and Ethics and refer teachers and administrators who have violated these essential standards of decency to the Virginia Board of Education for licensure revocation. The Department stands ready to support superintendents and will be evaluating options with the Board of Education for state action for those local school divisions that do not hold their personnel responsible.

Any suggestion that this assassination can be justified violates the most basic principles of human dignity. Together, we all must work to ensure that our schools remain places where every student is safe to learn and that families can trust the system."

Press release originally published 09/13/2025 8:21 AM by the Virginia Department of Education.

Supreme Court Limits Power of Lower Courts to Block Federal Policies Nationwide

Shelly Norden — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:07:58 GMT

On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Trump v. Casa that lower federal courts can no longer issue orders that block federal policies across the entire country, unless the case is a certified class action. These types of sweeping rulings, called nationwide or “universal” injunctions, were being used by activists to stop federal laws or executive orders by filing lawsuits in favorable courts.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, writing for the 6–3 majority, said this kind of power was never given to federal courts under the Constitution or early U.S. law. Courts should only decide cases for the people involved—not the whole country, unless a group of people is officially represented as a class.

This ruling puts an end to a legal tactic known as “forum shopping,” where political groups file lawsuits in specific courts they think will side with them in order to stop national policies.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson disagreed, warning that this limits people’s ability to stop the government from violating the Constitution. But the Court’s majority said that protecting the balance of powers means not letting courts overstep their role.

This decision will change how future legal challenges to federal policies are handled and strengthens the limits on judicial power.

Supreme Court: Parents Can Opt Out of LGBTQ+ Storybooks in Public Schools

Shelly Norden — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 15:52:06 GMT

In a landmark 6–3 decision issued on June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Mahmoud v. Taylor that parents have the constitutional right to excuse their elementary-aged children from reading or discussing LGBTQ+-themed storybooks that conflict with their religious beliefs. The Court granted a preliminary injunction against the Montgomery County (Maryland) Board of Education, finding that its refusal to allow parental opt-outs violated the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment.

What This Means for School Boards:

This decision is a major victory for parental rights and religious liberty. The Court reaffirmed that public schools cannot impose instruction that "substantially interferes" with a child's religious upbringing—especially without notice or opt-out options for families. Citing Wisconsin v. Yoder and West Virginia v. Barnette, the justices made it clear that government-mandated instruction that contradicts sincerely held religious beliefs—especially regarding sexuality and gender—can create an “objective danger” to the free exercise of religion.

Key Takeaways for Virginia School Boards:

Boards must provide advance notice to parents when books or lessons involve sensitive ideological or moral content, particularly about sexuality or gender.
Parents have a constitutional right to opt their children out of instruction that burdens their religious exercise.
Denying opt-outs and forcing participation may violate the First Amendment, even if the curriculum is otherwise lawful.
If your division allows opt-outs for other non-core topics (like health education), you cannot selectively deny them for religious reasons without triggering strict scrutiny.

Policy Tip: Review your instructional materials and opt-out procedures to ensure your division’s policy allows religious accommodations and that parents are notified ahead of controversial instruction. The Mahmoud ruling is a clear signal: Boards that ignore parental rights do so at legal risk.

© School Board Member Alliance (SBMA), 2025. For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Consult your school board attorney for guidance.

Powerful and Free Resources for Civic Education

Shelly Norden — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:29:12 GMT

Over the past few months, SBMA has had the incredible opportunity to attend national-level events and connect with organizations working to restore civic literacy and patriotic education across the country. We’re excited to share some of the most inspiring free resources we’ve discovered—resources every school board, teacher, and family can use to teach the true story of America.

An American Tradition: The Independence Day Ceremony (book pdf)

From PragerU
More than just fireworks and cookouts, this interactive July 4th ceremony book is inspired by the Passover Seder and is designed to bring the founding of America to life. It includes:

A ready-to-use script
Key Revolutionary War milestones
Founding Father profiles
A family-friendly educational quiz

PragerU has also released a powerful video series where the Founding Fathers come to life through first-person storytelling.

Remembering the Truth: The Victims of Communism Foundation (VOC)

With communism on the rise in classroom conversations, VOC’s resources are more important than ever. They offer:

A high school curriculum on the history and horrors of communism
In-person and online teacher training
Survivor testimonies from the Witness Project
Fact sheets on historic events and countries under totalitarian regimes
A curated online bookstore with history texts, memoirs, and classroom resources
Webinars, video series, and lectures highlighting real-world stories of resistance and survival

These materials are deeply aligned with SBMA’s mission to promote civic education that is honest, rigorous, and rooted in the values of liberty and truth.

Want More Resources Like These?

Join us as a Community Member or “Friend of SBMA” for just $25 a year.
You’ll gain access to curated materials, early event announcements, and policy updates that help you stay informed and engaged.

Supreme Court Ruling on Student Disability Rights: What Virginia School Boards Need to Know

Shelly Norden — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 15:44:13 GMT

In A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that K-12 students with disabilities do not need to prove a school acted on purpose to discriminate against them. Instead, schools can now be held responsible if they knew a student needed help and didn’t act, a standard called deliberate indifference.

What This Means for Virginia School Boards

This decision has major implications for school board policy and legal responsibility in Virginia. From now on, it’s not enough for a school to say it didn’t mean to discriminate, if a district ignores or delays needed accommodations, it could still be violating federal law.

Key Takeaways:

Same Legal Standard for All
Students with disabilities must be treated like all other people protected under the ADA. Virginia school divisions must ensure they respond to accommodation requests with care and not just good intentions.

Update Policies and Practices
Boards should carefully review how their schools handle ADA and Section 504 requests, especially unique needs like flexible school hours or special transportation. Staff convenience or scheduling should never outweigh a student’s right to learn.

Don’t Rely on Weak Excuses
In the case, the school district was criticized for putting employee schedules above the student’s health needs. Virginia school boards must ensure all decisions are backed by real educational or legal reasons, not just what’s easiest for staff.

Higher Risk of Lawsuits
Because this decision lowers the burden of proof for families, more parents may now be able to sue if schools don’t follow the law. Boards should review how well their schools are complying, especially in areas like scheduling and classroom access.

Stay Informed on Federal Changes
This ruling comes as some states try to scale back disability protections. But unless federal courts change the law, Virginia school boards should continue to follow current ADA and Section 504 rules.

Bottom Line:

Virginia school divisions should review their policies, train staff, and make sure accommodation requests are taken seriously. It’s no longer just about avoiding bad intent, it’s about making sure students with disabilities get the help they need.

This is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal guidance.
© SBMA 2025

June is Title IX Month — A Victory for Women’s Rights in Education!

Shelly Norden — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 17:26:22 GMT

We’re excited to share a major development that reinforces our shared mission of protecting students and restoring academic integrity across our schools.

The U.S. Department of Education has officially declared June as Title IX Month , honoring the 53rd anniversary of the landmark 1972 law that guarantees women equal access to educational opportunities.

In a powerful show of commitment, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has launched two key Title IX investigations:

✅ University of Wyoming is under investigation for allowing a male to join a female-only sorority, violating Title IX protections for single-sex organizations.
✅ Jefferson County Public Schools (CO) is being investigated for policies that reportedly allowed biological males to share overnight accommodations with girls without proper parental notification.

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated:

“This Administration will fight on every front to protect women’s and girls’ sports, intimate spaces, dormitories and living quarters, and fraternal and panhellenic organizations.”

As school board members, these actions represent a vital turning point. The restoration of Title IX’s original intent, protecting women on the basis of sex, is a bold step toward ensuring safety, fairness, and truth in education.

We will continue to monitor updates and share key resources throughout June as Title IX Month unfolds. Let’s celebrate this win and remain vigilant in upholding student rights in our local divisions.

SBMA in Action: Legal Advocacy, Sports Fairness, and Honoring Virginia’s Top Teacher

Shelly Norden — Thu, 08 May 2025 19:28:29 GMT

May 7 was a meaningful and productive day for the School Board Member Alliance (SBMA), filled with strong advocacy, public engagement, and a celebration of educational excellence across the Commonwealth. Here’s a quick recap of what your SBMA leadership and advisors were up to:

️ On the National Stage:
SBMA Legal Advisor Josh Hetzler appeared on Fox & Friends alongside Seth Wolfe, whose son is under investigation for questioning the presence of a biological girl in the boys' locker room. Mr. Hetzler is representing three students in this case through the Founding Freedoms Law Center, raising serious legal concerns about Title IX enforcement, student speech, and due process.
Watch the segment here: Fox News Interview

️ Advocating for Fairness in Girls’ Sports:
SBMA Board Member Dr. Meg Scalia Bryce spoke at the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Board meeting, urging the board to establish clear, enforceable regulations to ensure boys are not permitted to compete in girls’ sports under the new VHSL policy.
Watch Dr. Bryce’s remarks here: VHSL Meeting Comments

Celebrating Educational Excellence:
SBMA Executive Director Shelly Norden traveled to Richmond to attend the 2025 Virginia Teacher of the Year Ceremony. Congratulations to Matthew Neale of Hidden Valley High School and all the Regional Teachers of the Year. Your dedication continues to inspire our work to support high-quality education throughout Virginia!
Watch Mr. Neale’s remarks here: Teacher of the Year Speech

Thank you for standing with us as we work to uphold fairness, transparency, and academic excellence in public education.

Welcome Meg Scalia Bryce to the SBMA Board of Directors

SBMA Admin — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 19:41:11 GMT

We are excited to share some wonderful news with you—Meg Scalia Bryce has officially joined the Board of Directors for the School Board Member Alliance!

Meg is a wife and mother of four who lives in Charlottesville, Virginia. She holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Virginia, where she has also taught undergraduate Psychology. In 2023, Meg courageously ran for school board in Albemarle County; she has remained steadfast in her commitment to academic excellence and strong local governance.

In July 2024, Meg was nominated by Governor Glenn Youngkin to serve on the Virginia State Board of Education. While her confirmation was ultimately blocked by the Democratic majority, she served for six months with distinction—advocating for accountability in education, small government, and parental rights.

We are honored to welcome Meg to the SBMA Board, where her passion for education, principled leadership, and firsthand experience will be invaluable in furthering our mission to support and empower school board members across the Commonwealth.

Please join us in welcoming Meg Bryce to the team!

Warm regards,
Shelly Norden
Executive Director
School Board Member Alliance (SBMA)

Federal Education Funding Update: No Cuts to State Allocations, Bureaucratic Reductions Instead

Shelly Norden — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:02:42 GMT

We want to update you on our ongoing communication with U.S. Department of Education Secretary McMahon's office regarding federal education funding. We have been informed:

"The top line response here is that we haven’t cut any of the basic funding that states receive and we don’t plan to — Title I, IDEA, etc. The cuts are to bureaucracy and bloat at the federal level to free up states and locals to use their funding for more innovative and productive uses!

We’ll have broader talking points and myth vs. fact documents by the end of the week."

Additionally, Congress has passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the federal government through the remainder of Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). This measure ensures education programs, including Title I, Title IV-A, and IDEA, remain funded at FY24 levels.

We will continue to monitor these developments and share additional details as they become available.

VA School Divisions Still Using Inflated SOL Scores, but Change Is Coming

Shelly Norden — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:00:14 GMT

For years, Virginia’s school divisions have been reporting inflated proficiency rates on state-administered Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, giving parents and the public a misleading picture of student achievement. The latest 2024 results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) highlight this issue, showing that Virginia students continue to struggle in reading and math when compared to national benchmarks.

The discrepancy is stark: while the 2024 SOL results claim that 73% of Virginia fourth graders are proficient in reading, NAEP data show that only 31% actually meet national proficiency standards. In math, the state-reported proficiency rate for fourth graders is 71%, whereas NAEP places the true figure at just 40%. The gaps persist in eighth grade as well, with a 43-percentage-point difference in reading and a 34-percentage-point gap in math.

So, How Did This Happen?

Virginia’s proficiency cut scores were lowered under previous administrations, leading to a significant “honesty gap” between SOL results and NAEP standards. In fact, Virginia is one of only two states where a “proficient” score in reading on the SOL translates to “below basic” on the NAEP—meaning that students who fail to demonstrate even partial mastery of grade-level skills are still considered proficient by the state’s standards.

The VBOE’s Plan to Fix Inflated Scores

Recognizing the damage that inflated proficiency scores have done to student preparedness, the Virginia Board of Education (VBOE) has initiated a multi-phase plan to raise academic expectations. The new standard-setting process will better align SOL cut scores with national benchmarks, workforce demands, and college readiness requirements.

Here’s what the process will look like:

✅ March 2025 – Selection of 200 expert educators and stakeholders to serve on standard-setting committees.

✅ April 2025 – Training for committee members on best practices for setting new proficiency cut scores.

✅ May 2025 – Review and analysis of assessment data to determine appropriate score adjustments.

✅ June-July 2025 – Public review and VBOE final approval of new cut scores.

The state is considering shifting its methodology for determining proficiency from the Modified Angoff Method, which relies on statistical estimates, to the ID Matching Method, a research-backed approach that ensures proficiency standards are more content-focused and transparent.

What This Means for School Board Members

School board members should be aware that these changes will not take effect until the 2026-2027 school year. This timeline allows school divisions time to adjust curricula, train educators, and prepare students for the more rigorous standards.

In the meantime, school leaders should communicate with parents and stakeholders about the changes ahead, particularly in light of the latest NAEP results. Virginia’s long-standing “honesty gap” is finally being addressed, and while the transition may be challenging, it is a necessary step toward ensuring students are truly prepared for academic and career success.

Virginia’s commitment to higher standards and transparency is a move in the right direction—as they work to restore confidence in public education.

U.S. Department of Education Launches Website to Address DEI Concerns

Shelly Norden — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 21:15:55 GMT

The U.S. Department of Education has unveiled EndDEI.Ed.Gov, a new online portal designed to empower parents, teachers, and community members to report instances of race- or sex-based discrimination in publicly funded K-12 schools. This initiative signals a shift in federal oversight, prioritizing academic excellence and fairness in education over ideological agendas.

The secure portal allows users to submit reports by providing an email address, the name of the student’s school or district, and details of concerning policies or practices. The Department of Education will use these submissions to identify potential areas for investigation.

This effort comes in response to mounting concerns that schools are straying from their core mission of providing a high-quality education in essential subjects like reading, writing, and math. Many parents and educators have voiced frustrations over the growing presence of political and social ideologies in the classroom, which they argue detract from academic achievement and create division among students.

The launch of EndDEI.Ed.Gov emphasizes a growing national effort to restore accountability in public education, ensuring that schools remain focused on academic rigor and equal opportunities for all students while increasing scrutiny on curriculum decisions, hiring practices, and district policies.

To submit a report or learn more, visit EndDEI.Ed.Gov.

SBMA Hosts Legislative Roundtable to Empower Virginia School Boards

Shelly Norden — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 13:23:52 GMT

The School Board Member Alliance (SBMA) hosted its first-ever Legislative Roundtable in Richmond, giving school board members across Virginia practical tools and tips to advocate for their communities. Founding Freedoms Law Center attorney Josh Hetzler led an interactive session on how school boards can lobby effectively.

“SBMA believes tax dollars should not be used to lobby,” Executive Director Shelly Norden said. “Our alliance is all about empowering our members. We want them to have the tools and confidence to advocate for their communities independently.”

During the event, members received resources like a list of key dates for submitting bills, tips on how to lobby effectively, and guidance on setting up legislative committees within their own school boards.

The day also included a special visit with Attorney General Jason Miyares, followed by a tour of the state capitol. Members then met one-on-one with legislators, including Del. Bill Wiley, Del. Wendel Walker, Del. Chad Green, Sen. David Suetterlein, and Sen. Danny Diggs, to discuss pressing issues in education.

Attendees said the event’s combination of networking, hands-on advice, and access to decision-makers made it a standout experience. One member noted, “Getting advice from Josh and sharing ideas with other board members was incredibly helpful.” Another added, “Josh’s legal insights are crucial for handling challenges in our division.”

The event was a powerful example of SBMA’s commitment to equipping school board members with the skills and connections they need to push for education policies that truly benefit Virginia’s students and communities.

SBMA EmpowerED Symposium Inspires Leadership and Collaboration

Shelly Norden — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 21:07:08 GMT

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.

Request for Sponsorship Support for SBMA's 2024 EmpowerEd Symposium

Shelly Norden — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 15:39:33 GMT

The School Board Member Alliance is looking for sponsors for its 2024 EmpowerEd Symposium, on December 5-6, 2024, in Glen Allen, VA.

This two-day event will bring together school board members and thought leaders from across the commonwealth to engage in professional development, collaboration, and discussions on how to best support K-12 education. Your sponsorship will play a critical role in helping us make this event a success, ensuring that participants receive the tools and insights they need to drive positive change in their communities.

Thank you for considering this request. Your partnership would make a meaningful difference in the success of this important event.

Platinum Sponsorship: $1,500.00
• Premier exhibit table at the event.
• Prime placement of signage at the event.
• Business logo to appear on all website and email promotions.
• Full page ad in the event program.

Gold Sponsorship: $1,000.00
• Sponsorship of the networking lunch segment OR the
evening networking session.
• Recognition in event materials and mention during the luncheon
or evening event.
• Exhibit table at the event.
• 1/2 page ad in the event program.

Silver Sponsorship: $500.00
• Sponsor the refreshment breaks with signage on the table.
• Exhibit table at the event.
• 1/2 page ad in the event program.

Bronze Sponsorships: $250.00
• Recognition in event materials.
• Optional exhibit table at the event.
• 1/4 page ad in the event program.

Click HERE to purchase a sponsorship.

Addressing Chronic Absenteeism in Schools: A Call to Action for School Leaders

Shelly Norden — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 12:00:00 GMT

In a recent webinar, key educational leaders, including Denise Fort of the Education Trust and Hedy Chang of Attendance Works, emphasized the urgent need for schools to address chronic absenteeism, which has spiked significantly since the pandemic. Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of the school year, has been linked to poor academic performance, lower graduation rates, and long-term socio-economic consequences.

Despite the push for student engagement through innovative teaching methods and strategies, many students are still disengaged, often due to a lack of consistent teaching presence. Chang highlighted the importance of teacher attendance as a critical factor in student success. It’s not just the students who need to be present; stable and reliable teaching staff are also essential.

The panel discussed the role of parents, emphasizing that while they are often blamed for student absences, the real challenge lies in making school environments engaging and meaningful for both students and teachers. Many parents struggle to motivate their children due to the lack of engaging, relevant lessons, often finding students assigned to watch movies or complete work packets during teacher absences.

To combat chronic absenteeism, the panel proposed a multifaceted approach, which includes setting a goal to reduce chronic absenteeism by 50% over five years. This initiative must involve all stakeholders, including school administrators, teachers, parents, community organizations, and policymakers. School board members, in particular, are in a unique position to advocate for these changes by pushing for accountability in both student and teacher attendance, ensuring classrooms are engaging, and creating partnerships with local businesses and organizations to support struggling families.

The message to school board members is clear: the fight against chronic absenteeism cannot wait. Schools must provide high-quality education, consistent teacher presence, and a system of support to ensure that all students can succeed.

Supreme Court Denies Biden's Request on Transgender Protections Under Title IX

Shelly Norden — Sat, 17 Aug 2024 21:09:39 GMT

The Supreme Court voted 5-4 to reject the Biden administration's emergency request to enforce new Title IX protections that include transgender students, particularly provisions that would allow biological men access to women's bathrooms and locker rooms in certain states. The rule, effective from August 1, interprets discrimination "on the basis of sex" to include gender identity, which has been contested by more than two dozen Republican attorneys general. Click HERE for more details.

Attorney General Miyares Leads Effort to Protect Parental Rights at the Supreme Court

Shelly Norden — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 15:23:32 GMT

RICHMOND, Va. – Attorney General Jason Miyares today led a 16-state coalition in filing an amicus brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to protect parents’ fundamental rights to make decisions about their children’s welfare.

In 2021, a Wisconsin school district implemented guidelines allowing students to change their gender identity at school – including names, pronouns, and use of facilities like locker rooms and bathrooms – without parental notification or consent. A group of concerned parents from the district filed a complaint, arguing that the policy violated their rights. However, both the district court and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the case, holding that the parents lacked standing to bring federal claims.

The 16-state coalition is now urging the Supreme Court to hear this case and reiterate that parents have the right to be involved in their children's educational and personal development.

“Parents have the right to be involved in major decisions affecting their children's lives. This case presents an opportunity for the U.S. Supreme Court to provide much-needed clarity and reaffirm that government officials cannot override parents’ fundamental rights simply because they believe they know better,” said Attorney General Jason Miyares. “It is essential that schools work with parents, not against them, to support a child’s wellbeing.”

Attorney General Miyares is joined by the States of Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia.

Click HERE to read the brief.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Virginia Governor Issues Executive Order to Establish Cell Phone-Free Education in K-12 Public Schools

Shelly Norden — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 16:31:53 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Virginia Governor Issues Executive Order to Establish Cell Phone-Free Education in K-12 Public Schools

RICHMOND, VA— In response to growing concerns from parents, educators, and public health professionals, the Governor Glenn Youngkin has issued an Executive Order requiring the development and implementation of cell phone-free education policies in the state's K-12 public schools. This directive is an effort to address the escalating mental health crisis and declining academic performance attributed to excessive cell phone and social media usage among students.

The Executive Order instructs the Secretary of Education, Secretary of Health and Human Resources, Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Virginia Department of Education, and the State Health Commissioner to collaborate on creating comprehensive guidelines for cell phone-free educational environments. The initiative stresses the critical need to mitigate distractions, improve student focus, and enhance overall educational outcomes.

Key elements of the Executive Order include:

Stakeholder Engagement: Conduct listening sessions and engage with parents, students, teachers, and other stakeholders to gather input on age-appropriate cell phone-free education policies.
Definition and Guidelines: Develop a clear definition of "cell phone-free education" and publish model implementation plans for school divisions.
Public Feedback: Release draft guidance on the Virginia Department of Education's website for public feedback by August 15, 2024.
Final Guidance: Issue final guidance by September 16, 2024, with school divisions expected to adopt policies by January 1, 2025.
Communication Protocols: Address protocols for parent-student communication, medical needs, and emergency situations.
Reporting and Data Collection: Establish a mechanism for reporting school division policies and collecting data on student outcomes.
Collaboration with Health Agencies: Coordinate with relevant agencies to disseminate information on the impact of cell phone usage on academic and mental health.

Executive Order 33 comes in light of alarming statistics, including a significant rise in adolescent depression, anxiety, and suicide rates linked to social media usage. Recent studies show that students spending more than three hours a day on social media are at double the risk of poor mental health. Additionally, cell phone use during class has been shown to decrease academic performance.

The Governor's initiative aims to foster healthier, more focused learning environments and support the well-being of Virginia's youth. This Executive Order takes effect immediately and will remain in force until amended or rescinded.

After Permanently 'Canceling' SBMA on Baseless Claims, York County Government Reverses Its Decision

Shelly Norden — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 19:19:55 GMT

For Immediate Release:

Friday, June 28, 2024

After Permanently 'Canceling' SBMA on Baseless Claims, York County Government Reverses Its Decision

The School Board Member Alliance of Virginia (SBMA) is finally vindicated from the baseless and unlawful actions taken against it by York County officials to permanently suspend the professional organization from contracting with the county in any way.

SBMA's Executive Director, Sherri Story, said: "After county officials went out of their way to target and disparage SBMA, presumably for political reasons, our attorneys appealed the county's actions on our behalf, pointing out all the ways they failed to follow the law and even their own local regulations for public contracting. Today, York County wisely reversed course, issuing a letter declaring "I rescind the determination that SBMA is non-responsible.""

According to Story, "While we appreciate York County doing the right thing and reversing their unlawful action, SBMA now deserves a public apology from York County to help restore our reputation that its actions directly harmed. Agitators and news outlets have been using York's unlawful action against SBMA to impugn our character, and now York County needs to make clear to the public that it was wrong."

For background about SBMA: SBMA's mission is to promote high-quality school board governance training that emphasizes excellence in public education and addresses the distinctive needs of each student. To learn more about SBMA, visit www.mysbma.org.

Darelene Dawson and Shelly Norden Appear on Jerry Miller Now

Shelly Norden — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 20:47:07 GMT

Click HERE to watch.

Jerry Miller Introduces the School Board Member Alliance

Shelly Norden — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 20:45:45 GMT

Click HERE to listen to the show.

Letter of Appeal Sent to York County

Shelly Norden — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 19:17:23 GMT

Click HERE to access the letter of appeal. . .

SBMA Refutes York County's False Allegations

Shelly Norden — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 19:14:40 GMT

York County's Allegations Against SBMA Contain False and Unfounded Accusations

The School Board Member Alliance (SBMA) firmly refutes the recent claims made by York County Purchasing Agent Janet Dudley which allege that SBMA threatened a York County school board member. These allegations are false and unsubstantiated.

Setting the Record Straight

Sherri Story, SBMA chairwoman, met via videoconference with York County School Board members Kim Goodwin and Lynda Fairman, both SBMA members. This meeting was to discuss the recurring agenda item concerning school board leadership.

SBMA fully recognizes and encourages the independent judgment that school board members must exercise in their governance roles. We also support our members in following the law. Under Virginia law, the school board chair is elected at the annual organizational meeting and serves a one-year term Va. Code § 22.1-76. York County School Board’s policy also states that the Chair is selected at the annual organizational meeting (Policy BCB).

At no time during the videoconference, nor in any interactions with Goodwin, did SBMA suggest that we would stop providing her with professional support services or withdraw our support. Any claim suggesting otherwise is flatly false.

York County's Unjust Actions

It appears York County did not fully or properly apprise itself of these facts before excluding SBMA from doing business with the county. Before making this surprising, arbitrary, and unlawful decision, York County did not contact Story or Fairman, two of the three people on the videoconference, to gather the necessary information. Additionally, under York’s Procurement Policies, a determination of non-responsibility cannot be made without first having a live request for bids and receiving bids responsive to that request (York County Ordinance 23-3 § 10-3). This did not happen, making York County's decision legally deficient.

Appealing the Decision

SBMA will appeal York County’s decision. Our legal advisors have identified several other deficiencies in York County’s actions, which will be addressed in the appeal.

Contact: Shelly Norden/ SBMA Marketing Director/ snorden@mysbma.org