HILLSVILLE, Va. — Carroll County School officials Dr. Strader Blankenship, Brian Spencer, Joey Haynes, Reginald Gardner, Sanford Hendricks and Olen Gallimore were among those attending the annual Day at the Capitol Legislative Conference. The event was sponsored by the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) and was held at the Richmond Marriott on Jan. 23 and 24.

The conference brought together school board members, superintendents, state delegates and senators, Virginia Board of Education members and others to consider major educational issues facing this year’s General Assembly. Speakers included Virginia Tomorrow, LLC President Dr. Robert Holsworth and National School Boards Association Director of Federal Legislation Deborah Rigsby. Holsworth talked about changing political issues in the state and Rigsby spoke about federal issues. James Regimbal, principal, Fiscal Analytics, Ltd., gave a review of the governor’s budget.

VSBA lobbyists D. Patrick Lacy and Stacy Haney briefed participants on state budget issues as well as personnel issues, school board operations and other late breaking topics. Participating school board members were encouraged to visit their legislators while attending the General Assembly session.

“The VSBA Legislative Conference is grassroots lobbying at its best,” said VSBA Director Barbara Coyle. “It gives Virginia school board members the opportunity to share important information with legislators about the future of education in Virginia.”