This episode of the VSBA: School Board News Podcast highlights Career and Technical Education opportunities in Henrico County Public Schools. Gina Patterson speaks with Mac Beaton, Director of Workforce and Career Development, about Henrico's CTE programs, the role of the ACE Centers, and the new ACE Hermitage center's hands-on pathways that prepare students for college, careers, and life after high school.

In this special episode, we celebrate VSBA's 120th anniversary by reflecting on its legacy of leadership, advocacy, and service to Virginia's public schools. Host Gina Patterson is joined by four former VSBA Presidents who share their experiences and discuss the association's impact over the past 120 years.

In this episode, Executive Director Gina Patterson is joined by VSBA Task Force on Collective Bargaining Chair Kathleen Beane, Superintendent Dr. Royal Gurley, and School Board Attorney Wade Anderson to discuss the newly released March 2026 Collective Bargaining Report. The conversation explores the report's purpose, key recommendations, governance and legal considerations, operational impacts for school divisions, and practical lessons for school boards across Virginia.

In this episode, Gina Patterson is joined by VSBA's Government Relations Specialist, Sofhia Pineda to discuss the outcome of the Virginia General Assembly's April special session and key legislative updates affecting public education. Tune in for an overview of what school board members should be watching and how to prepare for changes ahead.

In this episode VSBA Executive Director Gina Patterson sits down with leaders from Arlington Public Schools to discuss Readers Rise, an innovative literacy initiative connecting students with community volunteers to strengthen reading skills, confidence, and relationships in elementary classrooms.

In episode 85 of the VSBA School Board News Podcast, VSBA Executive Director Gina Patterson is joined by Superintendent Doug Straley, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Justin Grigg, and physical education teacher Jenny Fisher as they share how Louisa County Public Schools developed it's innovative swim lesson program. They discuss how the initiative uses community partnerships to provide students with essential water safety skills, build confidence, and create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom.

This episode highlights how Prince William County Public Schools is preparing students for high-demand careers through its Aviation Maintenance Pathway. Gina Patterson is joined by Dr. Sarah Martin, Director of Career and Technical Education, to discuss how the hands-on program introduces students to aircraft inspection, maintenance, and aviation systems while aligning with Federal Aviation Administration standards. Learn how industry partnerships, real-world learning experiences, and career-focused pathways are helping students take flight toward future opportunities in the aviation and aerospace industries.

In this special episode of VSBA: School Board News, host Gina Patterson is joined by Stacie Reiter and Samantha Baker from Sodexo to celebrate VSBA Equity in Education Month. They discuss how Sodexo supports equitable learning environments through school nutrition, facilities management, and community partnerships, sharing real-world examples of how schools can remove barriers and ensure all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.

In this special episode of the VSBA: School Board News Podcast, host Gina Patterson is joined by Task Force Co-Chairs Douglas Brown and Dr. Jason Van Heukelum to recognize VSBA Equity in Education Month. They discuss the importance of advancing equity across Virginia, share local examples of impact, and offer practical ways school divisions can support students facing barriers to success. A special thank you to Sodexo for sponsoring VSBA's 2026 Equity in Education Month.

In this episode of the VSBA School Board News Podcast, Executive Director Gina Patterson is joined by VSBA President-Elect Joe Kilgore and VSBA Eastern Region Chair Veda Frazier, to discuss the importance of VSBA School Board Appreciation Month. Kilgore and Frazier also discuss their personal journeys as school board members on their respective school boards.