Smyth education leaders attend VSBA’s 41st Annual Conference on Education
Marion Senior High's art teacher Tim Smith and MSHS Principal Dr. Kelli Hughes with Mia Johnson, center.
Mia Johnson's award-winning artwork.
Representatives from Smyth County Schools recently joined school board members, superintendents, educators, and education leaders from across Virginia at the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) 41st Annual Conference on Education held July 16 in Virginia Beach.
The event marked a historic first for the Association, as the Conference on Education was hosted in Virginia Beach for the first time in its 41-year history. The conference provided participants with opportunities to learn from educational leaders, exchange ideas with colleagues from across the Commonwealth, and explore innovative approaches to strengthening public education and improving student outcomes.
Representing Smyth County Schools were Dr. Brad B. Haga, superintendent, Dr. Kelli Hughes, Marion Senior High School principal; Tim Smith, MSHS Art Teacher; MSHS student Mia Johnson, VSBA State Art Winner; and Mia’s mother, Susan Johnson.
One of the conference’s most distinctive features, and a tradition that has remained at the heart of the event for more than four decades, was its Mini Roundtable Discussions. These interactive sessions brought together participants and educational excerpts in small-group settings to discuss current issues facing public schools, share successful practices, and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of education in Virginia.
The conference featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Dr. Jeff Smith, Virginia Secretary of Education, who delivered greetings on behalf of Gov. Abigail Spanberger. Smith welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of strong partnerships among educators, school boards, families, and communities in supporting student success across the Commonwealth.
Attendees also heard from keynote speaker Dr. Phil Gore, a nationally recognized author, researcher, and leadership expert. Gore challenged participants to think differently about leadership, organizational culture, and the role innovation plays in preparing students for an ever-changing future.
During the luncheon program, participants heard from Madeline Duffy, Virginia’s 2027 Teacher of the Year. Duffy, a special education teacher and dropout prevention coordinator with Nottoway County Public Schools, shared her experiences working with students and offered reflections on the impact educators have in helping students reach their full potential.
In addition to the keynote presentation and roundtable discussions, attendees participated in breakout sessions featuring innovative programs and successful initiatives from school divisions throughout the Virginia. Topics included board governance, workforce readiness, student engagement, community partnerships, school leadership, and strategies designed to improve student achievement.
Additionally, the VSBA presented its annual statewide art contest awards.
Marion Senior High's Johnson won first place in the high school competition with her work "I Want You, Bones and All".
Johnson received $1,000 and art-themed trophy.
Haga noted, “It was a delightful experience to be with Virginia Secretary of Education Dr. Smith again and he delivered an impactful speech. We also thoroughly enjoyed being with Mia and watching her receive her state art award. For two years in a row a Smyth County student has been named a state art winner. We are so proud as a school division.”
The annual Conference on Education is one of VSBA’s premier professional development events and provides educational leaders with an opportunity to learn from one another, strengthen professional networks, and bring new ideas back to their local communities.
