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Most webinars satisfy one hour of the 8-hour annual board chair/superintendent joint training requirements as stated in 16 V.S.A. § 561(b) provided both parties attend together.​ 

 

16 VSA Section 561 requires that

 

(b) At least annually, the chairs of each school board within a supervisory union, the chair of the supervisory union board, and the superintendent shall jointly participate in at least eight hours of professional training that, at a minimum, addresses:

  1. educational leadership;

  2. the relative roles and responsibilities of the supervisory union board, the school district boards, and the superintendent;

  3. the Vermont Open Meeting Law, 1 V.S.A. §§ 310-314;

  4. Vermont law regarding access to public records, 1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320;

  5. collective bargaining; and

  6. education funding and school finance laws. (Added 1969, No. 298 (Adj. Sess.), § 38; amended 2007, No. 66, § 4; 2013, No. 56, § 13, eff. May 30, 2013; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 67, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)

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Everyone registering to attend any webinar will receive an email following the webinar with a link to the video, handouts and any follow-up materials.
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Effective Evaluations = Successful Superintendents

January 9, 2025
Noon - 1:00pm

A strong partnership between the board and superintendent requires clear, mutual understanding of expectations. The board is responsible for defining organizational outcomes that should be clearly articulated. Vermont law mandates that supervisory union/district (SU/SD) boards evaluate the superintendent, while the new district governance standards will require this be done at least annually (eff. July 1, 2025) As the board's sole direct report, the superintendent is entitled to a fair, transparent evaluation based on progress toward agreed goals. This webinar will highlight characteristics of an effective superintendent evaluation process, emphasizing the importance of shared accountability to the SU/SD.

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DQS ALIGNMENT

Governance Standard 113.1.2  At least annually, the Board sets measurable goals and regularly reviews the progress toward those goals.

 

Governance Standard 113.1.4 At least annually, the Board formally evaluates the performance of the superintendent, based in part on the superintendent's progress toward meeting agreed-upon goals.

REGISTER HERE

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Understanding the Board’s Role in Student Achievement

February 13, 2025
Noon - 1:00pm

In recognition of National School Board Appreciation Month and the approximately 900 school board members in Vermont working tirelessly to serve as the trustees of the state’s public education system, let’s consider the questions: Does school boards’ work affect student achievement and if so, how? Do school boards even matter?

 

The short answer is: Yes, they do. Research studies suggest school boards can have an effect on student outcomes. It is clear that school boards in high-achieving districts exhibit habits and characteristics that are markedly different from boards in low-achieving districts.So, what do effective school boards in high-achieving districts do that positively impacts student achievement? Come listen and learn from two experts in the field who have done extensive research on this topic and why what we do as school board members really does make a difference. 

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DQS ALIGNMENT

Standard 113.1.3 At least annually, the Board monitors student academic progress and wellness.

 

Standard 113.2.1 The Board annually assesses its performance, including adherence to agreed protocols, processes, and policies.

 

Standard 113.2.2 The Board annually reviews whether and/or how its actions and contributions have impacted the school system’s success in meeting goals.

REGISTER HERE

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Legislative Lunchtime Webinar

March 6, 2025
Noon - 1:00pm

Join us during the legislature’s break for a lunchtime discussion and update on the 2025 legislative session as it relates to public education in VT. Legislators will speak to the work in their respective committees and share a preview of what’s to come in the remainder of the term. They will be joined by VSBA and VSA staff members representing their respective organizations’ members when engaging with the General Assembly on issues affecting education. VSBA has more than 60 resolutions covering a range of issues having to do with: governance, finance, instruction, labor relations, and miscellaneous. Come hear how these positions are being used to help inform the decision-making by the General Assembly.

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DQS ALIGNMENT

Standard 113.3.4 The Board ensures its members understand and comply with Vermont statutes and regulations relevant to board work and public education.

 

Standard 113.3.5 The Board stays apprised of proposed legislation and policy-making that may affect its school system and students.


Standard 113.3.6. The Board maintains an ongoing relationship with locally elected officials.

REGISTER HERE

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Sharpening the Saw: Continuous Learning for Boards

April 10, 2025
Noon - 1:00pm

One of the eight characteristics of an effective school board is team development and training, sometimes with the superintendent, to build shared knowledge, values and commitments for their improvement efforts. DQS standard 113.2.4 requires a board to undertake its own continuous learning and development and provides members with opportunities for ongoing training and support to maintain and increase their skills and understanding. But what if your board has limited resources in terms of time and money for board development? 

 

This webinar will cover the spectrum of board development strategies from low cost to higher cost and both short- and long-term ways a board can increase its understanding of and skills in school board governance. Hear from a panel of current school board members about ways they are doing this important work. From orienting new board members to continued education for veteran board members, the learning should never stop.

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DQS ALIGNMENT

Standard 113.2.4 The Board undertakes its own continuous learning and development and provides members with opportunities for ongoing training and support to maintain and increase their skills and understanding

REGISTER HERE

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According to Robert: Using Correct Meeting Procedures

May 20, 2025
Noon - 1:00pm

Join us for an engaging webinar designed to provide members with a solid foundation in Robert's Rules of Order, the required  guide for effective and orderly meeting management. This session will cover the essentials, including key principles, common motions, voting procedures, and strategies for facilitating productive discussions. Whether you’re new to serving on a board or looking to sharpen your procedural skills, this webinar will provide practical insights and tips to help you confidently navigate meetings, ensure fairness, and foster collaboration among members. 

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DQS ALIGNMENT

Standard 113.2.4 The Board undertakes its own continuous learning and development and provides members with opportunities for ongoing training and support to maintain and increase their skills and understanding. 


Standard 113.3.4 The Board ensures its members understand and comply with Vermont statutes and regulations relevant to board work and public education.

REGISTER HERE

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It’s a Wrap! The 2025 Legislative Session & Implications for Vermont School Districts

June 10, 2025
Noon - 1:00pm

An overview will be given of major outcomes from the 2025 legislative session impacting public education in Vermont. Particular focus will be on any changes made to the education funding system. Come hear about new legislation, how it will potentially impact your school district, and what the board needs to do to comply with Vermont statute. 

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DQS ALIGNMENT

Standard 113.3.4 The Board ensures its members understand and comply with Vermont statutes and regulations relevant to board work and public education.

REGISTER HERE

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