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August 2008, Issue 2008-5
TOP STORY
VSBA / VSA 2008 Annual Fall Conference October 30-31 at Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee
Keynote speakers
Dr. Russ Quaglia on Student Aspirations

One of the foremost authorities on developing and achieving student aspirations, Dr. Quaglia will present on the conditions necessary for student aspirations to thrive and flourish. These conditions provide a framework for schools to nurture and motivate the development of their students’ dreams. More

In This Issue
  1. Online Academy
  2. EDUCATION LEADERSHIP
  3. VSBA Around Vermont
  4. Debunking Seven Myths About Public Education
  5. NSBA Legal Clips
  6. Study: Later Start Times Benefits Sleepy HS Students
  7. Reading First Axed by Congress
  8. Two New DVDs Available
  9. National Survey of Teachers’ Views Find Support for Unions, Problems with Teacher Evaluations
  10. VSBIT CORNER: An Injury/Safety Check List: Can You Answer Yes?
Online Academy
The VSBA Online Academy is a new section of our website where you can view short workshop videos with handouts. Now you and your fellow board members can receive targeted, concise professional development training anytime- day or night. Our goal is to provide the easiest, most useful assistance possible via our Online Academy, and we will refine the service based on your feedback. Visit the VSBA Online Academy. More on this article.
EDUCATION LEADERSHIP
by Peter Herman
There is much lament today over the lack of individuals who are willing to take leadership positions in education. In 2007-2008, Vermont had 18 vacancies in superintendencies and many more in principal positions, and many of the districts involved were not overwhelmed with applicants. More
VSBA Around Vermont
By Winton Goodrich, VSBA Asociate Director
Technical Assistance for Boards of AYP Compliance School Districts
I worked with the Missisquoi Union High School Board on roles and responsibilities and about continued support as the district complies with No Child Left Behind Adequate Yearly Progress compliance issues. More
Debunking Seven Myths About Public Education
Myth #1:
Public Education is "Failing"
Since the launch of Sputnik and especially since publication of "A Nation at Risk" in 1983, public education in America has taken a beating from policymakers and the media, and conservative pundits have constantly predicted doom for the nation’s economy. More
NSBA Legal Clips
Medicaid Reimbursement Will Continue Until At Least 2009
President Bush has signed a War Supplemental Appropriations Bill that includes a provision delaying the implementation of Medicaid regulations that would eliminate certain transportation and administration reimbursements to schools for services provided to low-income students with disabilities. More
Study: Later Start Times Benefits Sleepy HS Students
A new study shows that when a high school delayed its start time 40 minutes, from 7:35 to 8:15 AM, students slept significantly longer on school nights. On average, the students slept 33 minutes longer each night, and fewer complained of sleepiness affecting them during the day. More
Reading First Axed by Congress
Congressional House and Senate Appropriations committees struck all funding from the federal Reading First program in June. The move is expected to cause the program’s demise no later than 2010. More
Two New DVDs Available
Think of this DVD as "boardmanship 101." It contains all the basic information on the roles and responsibilities boards have that all members should be aware of. More
National Survey of Teachers’ Views Find Support for Unions, Problems with Teacher Evaluations
Education Sector, a non-profit think tank in Washington, D.C., surveyed approximately 1,000 K-12 public school teachers on their views on the profession, unions, and education reform. What follows are ten select findings from the survey report, "Waiting to be Won Over." For the complete report, visit www.educationsector.org. More
VSBIT CORNER: An Injury/Safety Check List: Can You Answer Yes?
  • Does your school district do whatever is necessary to reduce accidents?
  • If necessary, do the appropriate employees wear protective equipment?
  • Does the school have a written Emergency Action and Fire Prevention Plan?
  • Do employees receive any safety training?
    More

VSBA Regional Meetings

Throughout September the VSBA staff will hit the road to host regional meetings in all corners of the State. All the meetings begin at 5 pm with a light dinner and a short business meeting to elect regional officers to serve on the VSBA Board of Directors. Following the business meeting, the group will have an opportunity to delve into an information session and discussion on two topics that will affect school boards across the state:

  • Understanding the local implications of Act 82 (the two vote requirement)
  • The future of the delivery of education in Vermont

    Please consider attending the meeting in your region. The meetings are free and open to all school board members.

    • 9/4/08-Orange & Washington, Spaulding Union High School

    • 9/8/08-Chittenden & Grand Isle, Winooski High School

    • 9/11/08-Essex, Caledonia, & Orleans, Lake Region Union High School

    • 9/15/08-Addison County, Middlebury Union High School

    • 9/18/08-Bennington & Rutland, Manchester Elementary School

    • 9/22/08-Franklin & Lamoille, Bakersfield Elementary School

    • 9/25/08-Windsor & Windham, Green Mtn Union High School

  • VSBA/VSA Annual Conference - coming October 30 & 31! You may register for these or any other VSBA workshops by visiting: http://www.vtvsba.org/develop/develop.htm.

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