<h3>Getting started</h3>
School Board U is organized around six strands that address the facets of what an effective school board member should know:
<ul>
 	<li>
<blockquote>Governance and Leadership</blockquote>
</li>
 	<li>
<blockquote>Fiscal Responsibility</blockquote>
</li>
 	<li>
<blockquote>Student Achievement</blockquote>
</li>
 	<li>
<blockquote>Hot Topics in Education</blockquote>
</li>
 	<li>
<blockquote>Policy and Legal</blockquote>
</li>
 	<li>
<blockquote>Advocacy</blockquote>
</li>
</ul>
Whether you are a newly elected/appointed board member or a seasoned board member, our online sessions are designed to enhance your knowledge around important issues in education and amplify your leadership skills while serving on the school board.

Explore the different opportunities available in each of the six strands. Some sessions are free and available instantly, while some sessions you will need to purchase through VSBA. If the session is free, you will see a link to register for the session below the session description. Complete the registration form located at that link and you will be redirected to the session. If a session requires payment, contact your school board clerk. Upon receipt of payment, VSBA Staff will send you a link to the session.
<h3>Be recognized for your hard work</h3>
VSBA has created two Certificate programs available to school board members who complete certain courses of study.

<strong>Foundations of School Board Governance:</strong> This course is designed to provide a well-balanced overview of the role of a school board member and provide the basics on a broad variety of topics. We encourage you to complete this certification within the first 24 months of becoming a board member, or if you would like a refresher on Board Governance. This certificate contains six required courses and two electives of your choosing. <a href="https://www.vsba.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Draft-Certification.pdf">Click here for additional information on the Foundations of School Board Governance Certificate.</a>

<strong>Advanced Studies in School Board Governance: </strong>This course is designed to provide a deeper dive into the role of school board members. Courses are designed to build on topics previously discussed in the 100 level courses as well as new topics. This certificate should be completed after you have completed the Foundations Track. This certificate contains five required courses and two electives of your choosing. <a href="https://www.vsba.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Draft-Certification-Advanced.pdf">Click here for additional information on the Advanced Studies in School Board Governance Certificate</a>.

All courses must be completed within 24 months to earn a Certificate.
<h3>Additional Information</h3>
For additional information about VSBA’s School Board U, please contact Tom Brewster, assistant executive director at <a href="mailto:tom@vsba.org">tom@vsba.org</a>.