VSBA’s 40th Annual Conference on Education Unites Leaders from Across Virginia

NEWS RELEASE

(ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Virginia) – Education leaders from across Virginia gathered at the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) 40th Annual Conference on Education, held in Short Pump, VA, on July 25, 2025. Among the attendees were Albemarle County School Board members Dr. Kate Acuff (Chair, Jack Jouett Magisterial District), Judy Le (Rivanna Magisterial District), and Graham Paige (Samuel Miller Magisterial District), who were joined by Superintendent Dr. Matthew Haas.

The conference featured 13 mini-workshops on timely and relevant topics, including the integration of generative AI in K–12 settings, student speech rights, inclusive practices in special education, and strategies for building a sustainable educator workforce. Sessions were led by experts in education, law, architecture, and community engagement, providing school leaders with insight into innovative practices across the Commonwealth.

“Conferences like this help us bring fresh ideas back to our division,” said Superintendent Dr. Matthew Haas. “The sessions on inclusive practices, emerging technologies like generative AI, and student-centered learning strategies all align with our goals to support every learner and strengthen our school communities.”

“Our participation in the VSBA Conference on Education reflects our ongoing commitment to continuous learning,” said School Board member Graham Paige. “It’s always valuable to hear how other school divisions are addressing the same opportunities and challenges we face here in Albemarle County.”

In addition to breakout sessions, attendees heard from keynote speaker Matthew Neale, the 2026 Virginia Teacher of the Year. Neale, an English and journalism teacher in Roanoke County Public Schools, shared his journey from practicing law to pursuing a passion for education, inspiring fellow educators and board members with his message of purpose and resilience.

The event concluded with a student-led panel featuring reflections from Student School Board Representatives across Virginia, offering attendees a glimpse into the student experience and the role of youth voice in shaping policy.

About the Virginia School Boards Association
Virginia School Boards Association, a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of Virginia school boards, promotes excellence in public education through advocacy, training, and services. The Association offers conferences, information, training, and counseling designed to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s educational leaders.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jennifer Butler
Deputy Chief Communications Officer
Office of Communications
Albemarle County Public Schools
(434) 260-4634
communications@k12albemarle.org