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 15, 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.