by Kenya Smith/Intern
kenya.smith@tidewaternews.com

FRANKLIN
The Franklin City School Board assembled for its Thursday night meeting to discuss some business items. The first being the VSBA Annual Convention, which was held last month in Williamsburg. The Virginia School Boards Association is a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of Virginia school boards, whose mission is to promote excellence in public education through advocacy, training and services.

Attending were Superintendent Tamara Sterling, along with school board members Andrea Hall-Leonard of Ward 3, Robert Holt of Ward 6, Amy Phillips of Ward 2 and Marchelle Williams of Ward 4. Hall-Leonard was also one of the panelists at the convention’s Board Governance Symposium. The topic was how each panelist has used the customized training the VSBA offers in their daily work on their school boards. At www.vsba.org, the description about this reads: “The association recognizes board members for their dedication, time and hard work in improving boardmanship skills through VSBA meetings, conferences, board development and training, and active involvement in the association.

“VSBA members earn credits for VSBA Academy Awards, which are based on participation from July 1 to June 30 of each year.

“There are five levels of awards, with certificates and pins awarded for particular levels. The VSBA Academy Awards are presented annually to school board members who meet the requirements.”

Hall-Leonard said she earned 84 credits over a two-year period. Of the award, she said, “I am very honored.”