In an effort to promote a closer relationship between public education and the
Virginia General Assembly, the Virginia School Boards Association urges each
school division in the state to invite at least one of their state legislators
to visit their schools during the month of November. There are many benefits
from participating in VSBA Take Your Legislator to School Month, including
developing closer relationships between school divisions, local communities and
our elected officials, and creating opportunities for productive dialogue so
that educational and political leaders can work together to ensure that we
provide the best possible education for our students.
This year, the VSBA encourages school divisions to choose an area of focus for
your legislative visits. For example, you may decide to have “VSBA Take Your
Legislator to CTE School" Month or "VSBA Take Your Legislator to
Blended Learning School" Month. This will allow you to emphasize
particular aspects and programs in the division that you are most proud of or
wish to highlight.
You can find the TYLTSM information packet on our website. The packet includes quick tips/suggestions, a
sample invitation letter, a sample press release, and a proclamation from the
VSBA Board of Directors. We ask that you please share photos of your
legislative visits with VSBA so that we can use them in future publications.
In the meantime, we hope to see you at the 2015 VSBA Legislative Advocacy
Conference, which will take place on September 10 at the Doubletree by Hilton
Charlottesville. This conference will highlight upcoming issues for the 2016
legislative session, hot topics in education policy, and ways to engage your
elected officials. You’ll have a chance to network with our state’s policy
makers, hear from General Assembly members from across the Commonwealth and
learn how to make your voice effective in Richmond. Register today at https://em.eboardsolutions.com/Events/Registration/Wizard/EventDetails.aspx?C=ifON&EID=GGEG.
Thank you for your continued commitment and hard work as leaders, advocates,
and supporters of public education.
