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.
Webinars
Advocacy Essentials: Engaging Effectively in Vermont’s Legislative Process
January 13, 2026
Noon - 1:00pm
Advocacy is a core responsibility of school boards—but what does effective advocacy look like in practice? What role should individual board members play, and how can boards engage more intentionally in advocacy efforts?
This webinar explores school board roles and responsibilities in advocacy and offers practical ways board members can get involved. Participants will also learn how board members can help inform and influence the VSBA’s legislative platform.
Board Chair-Superintendent
Joint Training Requirements​
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.​ ​​​
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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: educational leadership; the relative roles and responsibilities of the supervisory union board, the school district boards, and the superintendent; the Vermont Open Meeting Law, 1 V.S.A. §§ 310-314;Vermont law regarding access to public records, 1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320;collective bargaining; and 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.)​
Reach, Listen, Connect: Communication Strategies that Work
February 18, 2026
Noon - 1:00pm
“The board is in its strongest position when it’s engaged with the community” is a familiar mantra in school board governance—and for good reason. Strong boards communicate year-round, not just during budget season. But reaching diverse audiences and understanding what’s resonating can be a challenge.
Join K–12 Strategic Communications Consultant Chris Horan for a fast-paced webinar focused on practical, effective community engagement. Learn strategies to reach and listen to your community, build trust, and strengthen your board’s voice.
You’ll also hear from Front Porch Forum’s Marketing and Communications Director, Susannah Kerest, on how school boards can use this free Vermont-based platform to connect with neighbors and expand their community outreach.
New Day, New Board!
March 5, 2026
Noon - 1:00pm
“Every time a board seats a new member, it’s a new board.”
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The first meeting after the elections is a big one. It’s a reshuffling of chairs around the table to make room for newly elected members. A number of important decisions are made at what is called the “reorganization” meeting. This meeting sets the tone for the year ahead — from officer elections to committee assignments, and from board operating protocols to behavior norms. It can feel overwhelming if you haven’t done it before (or if it’s been a while). Or you may wonder how other boards do their reorganizing.
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New Day! New Board! is your roadmap to starting strong. This webinar breaks down what reorganization looks like, what decisions your board will make, and how you can step into your role with confidence so your board hits the ground running.
Elevating Student Voices on the Board
April 14, 2026
Noon - 1:00pm
This webinar explores the growing role students play in school board governance—and why their perspectives matter. As the people most directly impacted by board decisions, students bring insight, creativity, and honesty that can strengthen decision-making and school climate. More Vermont school boards are recognizing that when students are meaningfully included, boards benefit from fresh thinking, clearer connections to school communities, and stronger trust.
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This webinar offers practical guidance for boards that want to make student voice a real part of governance. Learn how boards can empower student representatives, create student seats where none exist, and support intergenerational collaboration so students and adults work together as partners. You’ll also explore ways to remove barriers, help young leaders succeed in their roles, and ensure student input leads to meaningful, positive change.
Knowledge = Compliance: Vermont’s Open Meeting Law
May 14, 2026
Noon - 1:00pm
Understanding Vermont’s Open Meeting Law isn’t just about avoiding pitfalls—it’s about building public trust and running effective, transparent meetings. This webinar breaks down the fundamentals of 1 V.S.A. §§ 310-314, including what makes a meeting “open,” how to handle agendas and minutes, the rules for executive sessions, and what’s changed under recent legislative updates including Act 133 (2024) and Act 51 (2025).
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With several updates now in effect, this session will help you apply the law confidently in your board work. Whether you’re chairing meetings, preparing agendas, or wondering how to handle executive sessions correctly, you’ll leave with practical guidance and examples you can use right away.
It’s a Wrap! The 2026 Legislative Session and Implications for School Districts
June 18, 2026
Noon - 1:00pm
An overview will be given of major outcomes from the 2026 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.
From Conflict to Cohesion: Turning Board Challenges Into Success
August 11, 2026
Noon - 1:00pm
Healthy board dynamics are essential to effective governance and student success. This webinar is designed for school board members who want to strengthen collaboration, address challenging behaviors, and create a more productive board culture.
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The session will explore common unproductive board member behaviors and their impact on governance, decision-making, and public trust. Participants will learn practical strategies to prevent these behaviors before they arise, respond constructively when challenges occur, and foster accountability and respect among board members.
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The webinar will also introduce restorative justice principles and practices that boards can use to repair harm, rebuild relationships, and move forward in a constructive way. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to improve board effectiveness, strengthen communication, and support better outcomes for their districts and communities.
Shaping the Advocacy Agenda: Proposed 2026-2027 Resolution
September 16, 2026
Noon - 1:00pm
Resolutions are policy statements that form the foundation for the VSBA’s advocacy work throughout the year. Each spring, member boards are invited to submit resolutions on issues they consider important to Vermont’s public education. These resolutions are considered by the VSBA’s Resolutions Committee that then makes a recommendation to the VSBA board to pass, not to pass, or take no position for each draft resolution. Regardless of how the VSBA votes, all draft resolutions are voted on by delegates of the full VSBA membership at the Annual Business Meeting in October.
If you are a voting delegate, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the proposed resolutions. This webinar is an easy way to do that. We invite you to join us to learn more about the proposed resolutions for 2026-2027.
Policy Matters
November 19, 2026
Noon - 1:00pm
Strong governance begins with clear, effective policy. This webinar will help school board members and education leaders understand their legal responsibilities and best practices for developing, adopting, and maintaining school district policy.
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Grounded in Vermont law, this webinar clarifies the board’s role in setting educational policy and the administration’s role in its implementation. Participants will learn what policy is, why it matters, and how it provides stability, accountability, and risk management for school districts.
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The webinar will review required, recommended, and policies to be considered, including examples driven by state and federal law. It will also outline the policy development and adoption process, statutory public notice requirements, and the benefits of uniform policies at the supervisory union and district levels.
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Designed for both new and experienced board members, “Policy Matters” will offer practical guidance to ensure policies remain legally compliant, up to date, and aligned with district goals.
Get on Board! School Board Candidate Training
December 16, 2026
Noon - 1:00pm
The VSBA’s annual “Get On Board!” campaign aims to recruit civic-minded individuals who are passionate about improving public education for all students in Vermont. If you or someone you know is interested in serving the community, school board service just might be the right opportunity for you.
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More than a volunteer role, serving on your local school board is a chance to make a lasting impact on Vermont’s education system. It provides a platform to advocate for public education and actively contribute to the improvement of local schools.