<strong>CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA</strong> – This afternoon, at the opening session of the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) Annual Convention in Williamsburg, VA, Dr. Barbara Kanninen (Arlington County School Board) and Dr. JoWanda Rollins-Fells (Caroline County School Board) were awarded the VSBA Regional School Board Member of the Year award in recognition of their boardsmanship qualities and active involvement in promoting student achievement. This award can be given to one school board member per VSBA region each year. This is the 21st year that awards have been presented.

“Dr. Kanninen is very deserving of this prestigious award and we honor the work she has done to receive it. During her time on the Arlington School Board, she has been committed to our mission and vision by ensuring all students learn and thrive in a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment. She has expanded opportunities for all students in an inclusive community that empowers them to foster their dreams, explore their possibilities, and create their futures”, said Reid Goldstein, Chair of the Arlington County School Board. “As a School Board Member, she has worked hard to empower teachers, as she believes they are the backbone of our schools. Barbara’s goal has always been to focus on what matters most: supporting teachers and students in the classroom every day.”

“Dr. JoWanda Rollins-Fells is what every school board member should strive to be,” said Shawn Kelley, Caroline County School Board Member.  “As the Chairperson of the Caroline County School Board, she puts procedure and policy first while ensuring that all voices are heard and all ideas entertained.  Not only does she help us be productive, she ensures that we constantly strive for improvement to better serve the children of Caroline County.”

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<strong>About the Virginia School Boards Association
</strong>The 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.