In today’s society, misinformation can spread rapidly, particularly when it concerns organizations vital to our public education system. One such organization that has been unjustly branded as partisan is the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA). As the VSBA regional chair for Southwest Virginia, I feel it is my responsibility to mend misunderstandings and clarify the association’s true essence.
It is crucial to reiterate that the VSBA, with over 116 years of history, has always maintained a nonpartisan stance. In Southwest Virginia, where conservative values prevail, and I, myself, am a member of the Republican Party, school divisions rely on the VSBA as a pillar for policy guidance, professional development, legal counsel and superintendent searches. In my three years of collaboration with VSBA as an elected school board member, I have never encountered any policy suggestions or updates that have exhibited political bias.
Additionally, it’s important to note that the VSBA left the National School Boards Association (NSBA) in November 2022 due to perceived partisan affiliations. VSBA has never lobbied on controversial issues, such as library books in public school libraries, or ever taken a stance on gender participation in athletics. These claims are entirely false and irresponsible. The facts are that no policies exist reflecting any of these accusations, and there is no documentation of expressed public support or opposition to legislation concerning these issues. However, there is a catalog of VSBA policy suggestions that keep school boards in compliance with the law, and vast documented evidence of the VSBA advocating for K-12 education funding, and many other issues concerning Virginia public school students during the Virginia General Assembly sessions.
The VSBA’s advocacy is centered on improving educational outcomes for all students and is committed and dedicated to serving the students and school divisions across the commonwealth. By working with the VSBA, we have been able to advance academic goals in Southwest Virginia and cultivate professional and competent school board leaders who prioritize community well-being and adhere to the law in policymaking. We are all in this together, and the support of parents, caregivers and the community at large is crucial to our shared mission.
It is vital to dispel the misconceptions surrounding the VSBA. Instead of being swayed by misinformation and division, let us all unite in a spirit of collaboration towards the shared goal of ensuring the success and brighter future for all Virginia students and their respective school divisions.
Jenny Nichols is the Virginia School Boards Association Southwest Virginia regional chair, and currently serves as chair of the Washington County School Board.
