In this episode of the VSBA School Board News Podcast, Gina Patterson welcomes Dr. Phil Gore, a leading voice in school board governance and leadership. Dr. Gore discusses the importance of strong board relationships, his book, Improving School Board Effectiveness, and an upcoming webinar series hosted by the VSBA that is designed to help school boards drive student success. Tune in for actionable insights and expert advice!

In this episode, VSBA Executive Director Gina Patterson is joined by Mike Rezac, Member Experience Manager at VAcorp. During the episode, Gina and Mike discuss VAcorp’s Cyber Risk Services and how they can help school divisions that experience cyber incidents like ransomware attacks and business email compromises.

In this episode, VSBA Executive Director Gina Patterson is joined by Rodney Jordan, VSBA Task Force on Students and Schools in Challenging Environments Co-Chair and Douglas Brown, VSBA At-Large Member and Task Force Member for Students and Schools in Challenging Environments. During the episode, Gina and guests discuss JLARC’s 2023 study on Virginia’s K-12 Funding Formula and how school divisions can take advantage of VSBA’s Take Your Legislator to School Month in November to discuss this important topic with local state officials. A link to the study can be found here: https://jlarc.virginia.gov/landing-2023-virginias-k-12-funding-formula.asp

Listen to Episode 66 of the Virginia School Board News Podcast. In this episode, VSBA Executive Director Gina Patterson is joined by Doug Straley, Virginia’s 2024 Superintendent of the Year. Gina and Doug talk more about Doug’s administrative journey in education and how he has made his own impact in Louisa County Public Schools.

Listen to Episode 65 of the Virginia School Board News Podcast. In this episode, VSBA Executive Director Gina Patterson is joined by Avanti Yamamoto, Virginia’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. Gina and Avanti talk more about Avanti’s journey to becoming a teacher and her innovative teaching methods, and the challenges she’s faced as a mathematics teacher.

Listen to Episode 64 of the Virginia School Board News Podcast. In this episode, VSBA Executive Director Gina Patterson is joined by Craig Maddox, Supervisor of Career and Technical Education, ITRTs, and Library/Media for Amherst County Public Schools. Gina and Craig discuss Amherst’s exciting initiative, the “Amherst Express Mobile Lab for Exploring Career Pathways.”

Listen to Episode 61 of the Virginia School Board News Podcast. In this episode, VSBA Executive Director Gina Patterson is joined by Barbara Hunter, Executive Director at the National School Public Relations Association. Gina and Barbara discuss tips to help school board members effectively communicate with the media.