Legislative Matters

Nearly 400 attendees were present to celebrate the announcement of this year’s Virginia Superintendent of the Year, Mr. Doug Straley.

Mr. Straley, Superintendent of Louisa County Public Schools, was presented with the award during the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS) Awards Luncheon today, Monday, April 22, in Roanoke. VASS officers and presidents of several major state education organizations participated in the selection process.

“Doug's recent honor as Virginia Superintendent of the Year truly reflects his outstanding leadership,” says VASS President and Brunswick County Superintendent Kristy Somerville-Midgette. “From my perspective, his innovative methods and genuine connection with the Louisa County Public Schools community have always been inspiring. Doug's relentless advocacy for every student's needs and his servant leadership have left a lasting impression on me and many others. His innovative approach has brought about positive changes across our state. Doug's commitment to improving our educational system is both admirable and deeply personal.”

VASS is pleased to announce the appointment of our new VASS President for the 2024-2025 year: Dr. Keith Perrigan. Dr. Perrigan was unanimously selected by the VASS Board and membership during the annual meeting at the Spring Conference. He has served as VASS President Elect and VASS Secretary/Treasurer for the past two years. Dr. Perrigan is the superintendent in Washington County.

While the past few years have challenged school divisions in Virginia as perhaps no other time in recent memory, we have seen our school divisions and schools rise to the occasion. We acknowledge and are appreciative of the significant financial support provided to schools from local, state and federal governments. Thus, as we endeavor to set the VASS 2023-24 Legislative Platform, there are several items in terms of actions involving state government that will have a direct impact on K12 education in Virginia. On Monday, October 30, 2023, the VASS Membership voted to approve these 2023-2024 VASS Legislative Prioroties. 

Your financial well-being is essential to your ability to confidently perform your duties as a Superintendent and to help maintain a high-quality life. To that end, VASS members are now eligible for a variety of important financial planning services at reduced rates, including two complimentary hours of financial consultation paid by VASS through a special arrangement with VASS Partner TCG, a HUB International Company (TCG). This benefit is only available to VASS members and those who are named a Superintendent!

July 10, 2023
For Immediate Release
Contact: Gina G. Patterson, VSBA Executive Director, gina@vsba.org
Dr. Scott Brabrand, VASS Executive Director, s.brabrand@vassonline.org

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission released its report on Virginia’s K-12 Public Education Funding Formula today at a commission meeting in Richmond. This study was a directive passed in the 2021 session of the Virginia General Assembly which asked the commission to provide an accurate assessment of the costs to implement the Standards of Quality.

VASS staff is pleased to announce that Dr. Lori Harper and Dr. Jared Cotton have been selected to serve as VASS Senior Coaches for the 2023-2024 school year.

We congratulate Lori and Jared as they serve in this new role for VASS!