This summer, some three dozen administrators and members of the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP) from across the Commonwealth were invited to participate in a unique educational teleconference with United States Senator Mark R. Warner.  They included Virginia Beach principals Jim Miller of Bayside High School, Jim Smith of Kempsville Middle, and Sandi Brown of Virginia Beach Middle.

Additionally, Brian Matney, principal of Landstown High School and a VASSP executive board member, moderated the forum.

“As educators, we know it is important to share with our elected officials the rewards we enjoy -and the challenges we face – in practicing our chosen craft,” Matney said. “This is particularly true during an era of tight budgets and notable funding restraints. We are especially appreciative, as always, of Senator Warner giving of his valuable time to engage in a conversation with a host of administrators throughout the Old Dominion.”

This venue enabled Warner to share with this constituency educational policy-making developments on Capitol Hill and answer questions from the group.  Among the issues discussed were the burgeoning federal debt, sequestration’s potential effect on classrooms, principal training, and the impact of socioeconomic status on achievement.