School Boards in Virginia Shift Allegiances: From VSBA to SBMA
SCPS Votes Unanimously to Cut Ties
By Lewis Michael
In a recent wave of change, numerous school boards across Virginia have decided to part ways with the Virginia School Board Association (VSBA) and embrace alternative options like the School Board Member Alliance (SBMA). This shift in allegiances reflects differing views on educational policies, advocacy, and representation.
The VSBA has long been a central hub for school boards across the state. It provides resources, training, and advocacy services to its member boards. However, some school board members have grown disillusioned with the VSBA’s approach and especially their alleged political lobbying efforts. Here are some key points raised by those advocating for change:
Critics argue that the VSBA holds a near-monopoly on policy services for school boards. By leaving the VSBA, these boards seek to diversify their options and explore other alternatives. A member of the Orange County School Board expressed concerns about the VSBA’s political bias. Allegedly, the association has favored liberal viewpoints and even mocked conservative perspectives. This perception has fueled discontent among many school board members in Virginia.
The School Board Member Alliance (SBMA) emerged as an alternative for school boards seeking a different approach. Here’s what you need to know about SBMA:
School boards that have joined the SBMA cite alignment with their own values and priorities. The SBMA’s stance on issues such as curriculum, parental involvement, and fiscal responsibility resonates with these boards.
The SBMA emphasizes nonpartisanship, aiming to prioritize education over politics, while VSBA is reportedly very one sided. Board members appreciate this commitment to neutrality and the focus on student well-being.
While the SBMA is still relatively new, its membership is steadily growing. Boards from various counties have expressed interest in exploring this alternative. Several nearby districts have voted to leave VSBA including Warren and neighboring Rockingham Counties.
During a recent Orange County Public School Board meeting, community members weighed in on the decision to withdraw from the VSBA. Supporters of the move praised the three board members who took a bold stand, emphasizing their dedication to education rather than indoctrination. However, there were also those who expressed concern about the potential impact on policy making.
As school boards continue to evaluate their affiliations, the VSBA-SBMA debate remains a topic of interest. Whether this shift will lead to positive changes in educational policies and representation remains to be seen. One thing is clear: Virginia’s school boards are actively shaping their future by choosing where to place their trust and the trust in VSBA is waning quickly across the Commonwealth.
The Virginia School Board Association has been accused of catering to the wants of larger school divisions by many critics, including SCPS board members.
Shenandoah County Public Schools decided to sever ties with VSBA in a 6-0 vote.
There will likely be more school divisions across the area and the Commonwealth doing the same in the near future.
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