VASS 2021 Fall Conference
October 17 - October 19, 2021
VASS is holding its Annual Fall Conference in person October 17-19, 2021, at the Charlottesville Omni, with accommodations to ensure that participants remain healthy and safe. This will be the first time in almost two years in which all of our VASS members will have the opportunity to be together, and we want it to be an enjoyable as well as beneficial educational and social experience.
At this time, all of the Annual Fall Conference meetings, sessions, and events will follow the current VDOH guidelines for schools, which recommend wearing masks and distancing three feet when indoors. Chairs at rounds in the ballroom will be set three feet apart, and we will provide extra masks which we request that all participants wear during all conference meetings, sessions, and social events that are held indoors. If VDOH guidelines necessitate a change to these mitigation strategies, the information on this page will be updated, and all registered participants will be notified.
The VASS Annual Fall Conference has traditionally focused on policy and legislation, but this year’s conference program will feature a larger variety of speakers and panelists, including the Deans of Schools of Education, Historians, Attorneys, Financial Consultants, Administration Officials, and Members of the General Assembly. A total of twenty-one different speakers and panelists have been invited.
A couple of the highlights include Tuesday’s presentation by eminent Civil War historian Gary Gallagher on how different interpretations of the Civil War’s causes have become manifested in today’s divisiveness and a panel discussion by the Deans of several Virginia Schools of Education on how K12 and Higher Ed can collaborate to improve equity in public education.
Dr. Gallagher is the John L. Nau III Professor in the History of the American Civil War at the University of Virginia and the author or editor of numerous books, most recently The Union War (2011) and Becoming Confederates: Paths to a New National Loyalty (2013). He has also participated in more than three dozen television projects in the field, and he is the recipient of the University of Virginia's highest teaching award.
The program will also incorporate opportunities for participants to discuss current issues and VASS advocacy positions with your colleagues, as well as many different opportunities to catch up socially. Two receptions are being planned and there will be a number of local venues where you and your “VASS Friends” can enjoy dinner on Sunday and Monday evenings.
The registration form for the VASS Fall Conference is at the bottom of this page.
Click here to view the Conference Schedule
Please Check Back for Updates to Conference Schedule.
Sunday, October 17
Sunday, October 17
Sunday, October 17
Monday, October 18
Conference Fee and Registration for Superintendents and other School Division Leaders
The 2021 Fall Conference fee for superintendents and other school division leaders is $275 per person.
The registration deadline is Friday, October 8.
In the registration form (below), required fields are indicated with a red asterisk. Mistakes made in completing the form will be highlighted in red.
Once you have submitted the registration, the person or people whom you have designated to receive a confirmation email should see that email (with registration information included) within 24 hours.
After the conference has been held, the person on the registration form who is identified as the billing contact will receive an invoice, via email, for payment of the $275 registration fee.
You will be able to pay by check, or you can process payment via a credit card or PayPal account, using the link to the VASS online payment portal which you will receive along with the invoice.
If a purchase order number is provided on the registration form, it will be referenced on the invoice.
Notice of cancellation must be sent by email to Liza Scallet, the VASS Administrative Assistant, by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 8 . . . or you will be billed in full.
Registration for VASS Partners and Other VASS Business Members
If you would like to attend the conference and your organization is a VASS Partner or VASS Business Member, please contact Liza Scallet, the VASS Administrative Assistant, for fee and registration information.
Please note that the registration links on this web page are for use by superintendents and other school division leaders only. Registration links for business members will be provided by Liza Scallet.
Omni Charlottesville Hotel
VASS has set aside rooms at the Omni Charlottesville Hotel with a special conference rate for superintendents and their guests.
The rate is $126 for a single OR double room per night. Parking and Internet access are included in the rate.
Please click here to reserve a room at the Omni in the VASS Room Block.
Or call the Omni at 800-843-6664 and ask for the special VASS rate.
The deadline to reserve a discounted room in the VASS Block is Friday, October 8.
Please do not delay in making your reservation -- only a limited number of rooms are available at the VASS rate.
You must give a 48-hour notice to the hotel for the cancellation of your room.
Find location information and directions for the Omni here.
Residence Inn by Marriott Charlottesville Downtown
Overflow rooms, at the rate of $126 per night, are available at the Residence Inn by Marriott Charlottesville Downtown (315 West Main St.)
For reservations at the VASS Block Rate, call (434) 220-0075 by Tuesday, September 28.
Or you can use the following link to reserve a room: Book your group rate for Virginia Association of School Superintendents
You must give a 48-hour notice to the hotel for the cancellation of your room.
If you have questions or concerns, or would like to receive more information about the VASS Fall Conference, please contact Liza Scallet, the VASS Administrative Assistant.
October 17-19, 2021