2019 EDUCATION SUMMIT Joint Meeting of the Senate Education & Health and House Education Committees

PROGRAM BOOK AGENDA Joint Meeting of the Senate Education & Health and House Education Committees

Welcome! We extend our sincere appreciation to George Mason University and Community College for their support and the use of their beautiful facilities for the 2019 Virginia Education Summit.

Follow @Hunt_Institute on Twitter for live updates & join the conversation at: #VAEDSummit

2 2019 VIRGINIA EDUCATION SUMMIT | Program Joint Meeting of the Senate Education & Health and House Education Committees AGENDA

MONDAY GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY ALAN AND SALLY MERTEN HALL DECEMBER 9, 2019

11:30 AM – 12:45 PM Registration and Lunch (Lunch for members and presenters) MERTEN 1204

12:45 PM – 1:00 PM Welcome and Opening Remarks MERTEN 1201 Laura Fornash, Board Member, The Hunt Institute, Senior Vice President, McGuireWoods Consulting, LLC Senator Steve Newman, Senate District 23, Virginia State Senate, Chairman, Senate Education & Health Committee Delegate Richard Bell, House District 20, Virginia House of Delegates, Vice Chairman, House Education Committee , Interim President, George Mason University

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Early Childhood | Ensuring Quality and Access for All MERTEN 1201 There is considerable consensus among education, business, and political leaders about the strong returns that come from early childhood investment, and Virginia’s policymakers are taking steps to increase access and quality of early childcare and education services throughout the Commonwealth. In this session, legislators will have the opportunity to engage with members of the Governor’s Executive Leadership Team on School Readiness, as session participants review and discuss the Team’s recommendations and talk about the early childhood investments the legislature should continue and/or start in the 2020 session. Introduction: Delegate Roslyn Tyler, House District 75, Virginia House of Delegates First Lady Pamela Northam, Commonwealth of Virginia

Moderator: Kelly Chopus, President and CEO, Robins Foundation

Resource Experts: Marica Cox Mitchell, Director, Early Learning, Bainum Family Foundation Jenna Conway, Chief School Readiness Officer, Office of the Governor of Virginia

Higher Education | Strategies and Pathways to Support 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM MERTEN 1201 Postsecondary Completion

To help students earn their postsecondary degrees in a timely and cost-efficient manner, state leaders and institutions must create the conditions to support students in that goal. This session will highlight work underway in the Commonwealth, such as the Passport Initiative and NOVA Advance, to help students transfer previously-earned credits with ease. Session participants will also discuss the role state policymakers can play in supporting strategies to help more of the Commonwealth’s students earn postsecondary degrees and be prepared for the workforce.

Resource Experts: Dr. Michelle Marks, Vice President for Academic Innovation & New Ventures, George Mason University Peter Blake, Director, State Council for Higher Education in Virginia

3:00 PM – 3:15 PM Break

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3:15 PM – 4:15 PM Higher Education | A Conversation on College Access and Affordability MERTEN 1201 College access and affordability is a topic that has dominated headlines throughout the country for several years, and with good reason. This is an issue that state legislatures continue to grapple with, and as the Commonwealth’s public colleges cap their tuition rates for the coming academic year, it is worth asking what approaches other states are taking to make their colleges more affordable for current, incoming, and prospective students. In this session, legislators will engage with resource experts on strategies that can help make the Commonwealth’s colleges more affordable; legislators will also look at steps being taken by other state legislatures in this effort.

Introduction: Delegate David Bulova, House District 37, Virginia House of Delegates

Resource Experts: Mamie Voight, Vice President of Policy Research, Institute for Higher Education Policy John R. Broderick, President,

Classroom Innovation | Using Technology to Redefine 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM MERTEN 1201 How Students Learn

When graduating high school, students should be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and tools to have a rich learning experience and be prepared for postsecondary education and the workforce. The Commonwealth has made great strides in expanding broadband into schools in recent years, but the question now boils down to how districts can best use high-speed internet to bring innovative learning approaches, like modernized assessments and competency-based education, to the classroom. This session will cover work being done nationally to help schools leverage the advantages that come from access to high-speed internet, focusing on work that has been done in the Commonwealth in using internet and technology to empower educators and students.

Introduction: Delegate Glenn Davis, House District 84, Virginia House of Delegates

Resource Experts: Dr. James Lane, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Virginia Department of Education Maria Worthen, Vice President for State and Federal Policy, Aurora Institute

5:15 PM – 5:30 PM Transition to Reception & Dinner

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM Reception CENTER FOR THE ARTS

6:15 PM – 7:30 PM Dinner | Increasing Attainment in the Modern Economy

Over dinner, legislators will engage with America Achieves Chairman and CEO Jon Schnur on roles state leaders can play in increasing educational attainment to develop a strong workforce and engaged citizenry. Schnur will talk about the importance of postsecondary goals and highlight best practices seen throughout the country in helping students attain the degrees and credentials necessary for workforce readiness.

Welcome: Anne Holton, Interim President, George Mason University

Introduction: Laura Fornash, Board Member, The Hunt Institute, Senior Vice President, McGuireWoods Consulting, LLC

Keynote Speaker: Jon Schnur, Chairman and CEO, America Achieves

4 2019 VIRGINIA EDUCATION SUMMIT | Program Joint Meeting of the Senate Education & Health and House Education Committees AGENDA

TUESDAY NORTHERN VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE, ANNANDALE CAMPUS, FORUM, DECEMBER 10, 2019 RICHARD J. ERNST COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER

7:15 AM – 8:00 AM Breakfast (Breakfast for members and presenters) PRESIDENT’S DINING ROOM

8:00 AM – 8:15 AM Welcome and Reflection FORUM

Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President & CEO, The Hunt Institute Senator Steve Newman, Senate District 23, Virginia State Senate, Chairman, Senate Education & Health Committee Delegate Richard Bell, House District 20, Virginia House of Delegates, Vice Chairman, House Education Committee

8:15 AM – 9:15 AM Teacher Preparation | Creating Pathways to Excellence Terrace LoungeFORUM

Research and experience show that effective, well-prepared teachers are the most influential in-school determinants of student achievement, particularly for disadvantaged students. This session will cover the state of teacher preparation programs throughout the Commonwealth, focusing on effective approaches to prepare teachers for the K-12 system and how to expand those practices.

Introduction: Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg, House District 72, Virginia House of Delegates

Resource Experts: Peggy Brookins, President & CEO, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Sandi Jacobs, Principal, EducationCounsel Dr. Mark Ginsberg, Dean, College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University

9:15 AM – 10:15 AM Teacher Compensation | Pay and Recruitment FORUM

Teachers across the country have been advocating for increased pay, and state legislatures have responded by making this issue a top budgetary priority. In 2019, Virginia’s legislature passed the largest teacher pay increase the Commonwealth has seen in over a decade, but questions remain on what next steps should be taken to bring teacher pay closer to the national average. This session will provide legislators the opportunity to draw lessons from neighboring states in this effort, focusing on the impact bringing pay closer to the national average has on teacher recruitment.

Introduction: Delegate Roxann Robinson, House District 27, Virginia House of Delegates

Moderator: Secretary , Secretary of Education, Commonwealth of Virginia

Resource Experts: Dr. , Chief of Staff, Office of the President, George Mason University Dr. Josh McGee, Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM Break

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Professional Perspectives | Attracting and Retaining 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM PRESIDENT’S DINING ROOM Top Teaching Talent

Following educator-centered policy discussions, legislators will engage with principals and superintendents to get an on-the-ground perspective of how certain factors, including compensation, impact their work in recruiting teachers for their schools and districts, especially in hard-to-staff positions.

Moderator: Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President & CEO, The Hunt Institute

Resource Experts: Dr. John B. Gordon III, Superintendent, Suffolk City Public Schools Dr. Shawn Green, Principal, Colonel Fred Cherry Middle School, Suffolk City Public Schools Dr. Maria Pitre-Martin, Superintendent, Petersburg City Public Schools Belinda Urquhart, Principal, Walnut Hill Elementary School, Petersburg City Public Schools Dr. Rosa Atkins, Superintendent, Charlottesville City Public Schools Dr. Erin Kershner, Principal, Venable Elementary School, Charlottesville City Public Schools Dr. Eric Bond, Superintendent, Augusta County Public Schools Larry Landes, Principal, Fort Defiance High School, Augusta County Public Schools Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Superintendent, Alexandria City Public Schools Rene Paschal, Principal, Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School, Alexandria City Public Schools

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Broadband and the New Virginia Economy FORUM

To succeed in tomorrow’s economy, today’s students in the Commonwealth must have access to scalable and affordable broadband infrastructure. The Commonwealth has made great strides in recent years to strengthen and expand broadband for students, and while just about all schools in the Commonwealth have access to broadband, many students are not able to take advantage of online learning opportunities due to lack of access to high-speed internet outside the classroom. This session will focus on the Commonwealth’s efforts to expand broadband, focusing on what policymakers can do to ensure all students are able to leverage the benefits that come with broadband outside the classroom.

Introduction: Senator , Senate District 18, Virginia State Senate

Resource Experts: Evan Feinman, Chief Broadband Advisor, Office of the Governor of Virginia, Executive Director, Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission Kristie Proctor, Executive Director, Virginia Rural Center

12:30 PM Closing Remarks FORUM Senator Steve Newman, Senate District 23, Virginia State Senate, Chairman, Senate Education & Health Committee Delegate Richard Bell, House District 20, Virginia House of Delegates, Vice Chairman, House Education Committee Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President & CEO, The Hunt Institute

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch (Boxed lunches for members and presenters) PRESIDENT’S DINING ROOM

6 2019 VIRGINIA EDUCATION SUMMIT | Program Joint Meeting of the Senate Education & Health and House Education Committees CO-CHAIRMEN

Senator Steve Newman Senate District 23, Senate President Pro Tempore, Chairman, Senate Education & Health Committee

Senator Stephen Newman represents the 23rd district in the . He has been a state senator since 1996, and the membership of the Senate elected him to become the President Pro Tempore in 2016. Senator Newman has served as the Chairman of the Transportation Committee and the Education & Health Committee. In addition to these committees, he also serves on the Rules, Commerce and Labor, and Finance committees in the Senate.

Senator Newman has championed the right for every child in Virginia to have the equal opportunity to access a first-rate education. He believes children learn in different ways and does not believe a “one size fits all” approach is best. As Chairman of the Senate Education & Health Committee, he supports reforms to improve Virginia’s Standard of Learning tests. Senator Newman served on the Governor’s Higher Commission in 2010 and is responsible for carrying Governor Bob McDonnell’s education package successfully through the General Assembly.

Delegate Richard Bell House District 20, Vice Chairman, House of Delegates Education Committee Delegate Richard “Dickie” Bell is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates representing the 20th district, which includes parts of Augusta, Highland, and Nelson counties, and the cities of Staunton and Waynesboro.

Delegate Bell is the Vice Chairman of the Virginia House Education Committee. Before coming to the House of Delegates in 2010, Delegate Bell served on the Staunton City Council from 1996-2009. Delegate Bell is a former educator and served in the USN Hospital Corps from 1967-1973.

2019 VIRGINIA EDUCATION SUMMIT | Program 7 SPECIAL GUESTS Joint Meeting of the Senate Education & Health and House Education Committees

First Lady Pamela Northam Commonwealth of Virginia Pamela Northam became the First Lady of Virginia when her husband, Governor , was sworn in as governor on January 13, 2018. An educator, environmentalist, and longtime advocate, Mrs. Northam has taken a leading role in and Virginia to protect water quality and improve the health of the . Most recently, the first lady has served as community outreach coordinator for Lynnhaven River NOW (LRN), a nonprofit environmental group. In this role, she oversaw advocacy and outreach programs for homeowners, congregations, and businesses to help them to become more sustainable. Prior to joining LRN, Mrs. Northam taught high school biology. Recognizing a need for STEM in elementary education, she became a national award-winning science specialist and worked to develop an inquiry-based, hands-on curriculum for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The first lady was appointed to the board of trustees of the Science Museum of Virginia, and is also a board member of the innovative E3 School in Norfolk. After studying at Baylor University and the University of Texas, the first lady specialized in pediatric occupational therapy, where her work included rehabilitation hospitals, teaching hospitals, and special education.

Anne Holton Interim President, George Mason University In August 2019, Anne Holton became the seventh president of George Mason University, the largest, most- diverse and fastest-growing university in Virginia. The former Virginia Secretary of Education is the first female president in Mason history. Currently serving as interim president, Holton has served as a Mason visiting professor since 2017 in the Schar School of Policy and Government and the College of Education and Human Development.

After earning her law degree at Harvard, Holton worked as an attorney for low-income families from 1985 to 1998 with the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society. She then served as a judge on the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for the City of Richmond from 1998 to 2005, including a stint as chief judge from 2000 to 2003. As Virginia’s Secretary of Education from 2014 to 2016, Holton worked to increase Virginia’s investment in public education, to promote innovation and teaching and learning in state schools, and to ensure every student has a successful pathway to the future, particularly children who live in poverty.

8 2019 VIRGINIA EDUCATION SUMMIT | Program Joint Meeting of the Senate Education & Health and House Education Committees RESOURCE EXPERTS

Dr. Rosa Atkins Superintendent, Charlottesville City Public Schools Dr. Rosa Atkins is Superintendent of Charlottesville City Public Schools, which has become one of the top performing school divisions in the state. In 2011, she was named Virginia Superintendent of the Year by the Virginia Association of School Superintendents, as well as Virginia State University Alumna of the Year for Professional Education. Dr. Atkins was appointed by Governors McAuliffe and Northam to serve on the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, the Commonwealth Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the Commission on African American History Education. Dr. Atkins is an alumna of Virginia State University and .

Peter Blake Director, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia

Peter Blake is the director of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). From 1999 to 2011, Blake served in several higher education roles for the Virginia General Assembly’s House Appropriations Committee, in the administration of Governor Mark Warner, and for the Virginia Community College System. In 2017, Governor McAuliffe appointed him to the Education Commission of the States. He holds B.A. and M.S. degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University and completed The Executive Program at the ’s Darden School of Business.

Dr. Eric Bond Superintendent, Augusta County Public Schools Dr. Eric Bond has served as Superintendent of Augusta County Public Schools since July 1, 2014. Prior to his appointment, he served the school district as the Assistant Superintendent for Personnel since 2009 and before that as Assistant Superintendent for Operations. He taught Geometry and Algebra I at Rockbridge County High School before being hired as the Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at Buffalo Gap High School. Dr. Bond earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from , a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Supervision from the University of Virginia, and a Doctor of Education from Virginia Tech.

John R. Broderick President, Old Dominion University John R. Broderick, Old Dominion University’s eighth president since 2008, is chairman of the Council of Presidents of the Southeastern Universities Research Association and past chairman of the Virginia Council of Presidents of Colleges and Universities. He also is one of the Virginians leading the state effort to attract a $2 billion investment from the U.S. Department of Energy to construct an electron ion collider at the nearby Jefferson Lab. During his tenure, Old Dominion has received nearly $900 million in new public and private resources.

Peggy Brookins President & CEO, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Peggy Brookins, NBCT, joined the National Board as Executive Vice President in December 2014, and was named President & CEO in November 2015. In July 2014, President Barack Obama named Brookins as a member of the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for . She joins the National Board from the Engineering and Manufacturing Institute of Technology at Forest High School in Ocala, Florida, which she co-founded in 1994 and where she served as director and as a mathematics instructor. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida.

Delegate David Bulova House District 37

David Bulova was first elected to the General Assembly in November 2005. He currently serves on the General Laws, Education, and Agriculture, Chesapeake, and Natural Resources committees. He is a member of the State Water Commission, Chesapeake Bay Commission, Housing Commission, the Joint Commission on Health Care, and the Virginia War Memorial Board. Delegate Bulova serves as Governor McAuliffe’s appointee to the Legislative Advisory Council to the Southern Region Education Board and the Legislative Advisory Board to the Virginia Water Resources Research Center, and was Governor Kaine’s appointee to the Commission on Climate Change.

2019 VIRGINIA EDUCATION SUMMIT | Program 9 RESOURCE EXPERTS Joint Meeting of the Senate Education & Health and House Education Committees

Kelly Chopus President & CEO, Robins Foundation

Since 2013, Kelly Chopus has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Robins Foundation in Richmond, Virginia, where she is responsible for the operations, management and grant making for one of the region’s largest family foundations. Chopus has served as Director of Community Relations for Goodrich Corporation in Charlotte, N.C. where she supervised all global philanthropy, community relations and volunteerism. She also served as Vice President of Business Operations for the former WNBA Charlotte Sting from 2002-2005 and as an Associate Producer for the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the 2002 Winter Olympiad. Chopus has served on numerous nonprofit boards, task forces and committees across the country.

Jenna Conway Chief School Readiness Officer, Office of the Governor of Virginia

Jenna Lawrence Conway is the Chief School Readiness Officer for the Commonwealth of Virginia, a joint appointment between the Governor’s Office and the Virginia Department of Education. Her goal is to work with public and private partners across the Commonwealth to unify the early childhood care and education system to help prepare all Virginia children for kindergarten. Previously, she led a statewide effort in to unify and strengthen the early childhood system, helping communities unite child care, Head Start and school-based pre-K programs to increase access, improve classroom quality, and engage families for children birth to five. Conway holds a degree in American Studies from Yale University and a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University.

Marica Cox Mitchell Director, Early Learning, Bainum Family Foundation

As Director of Early Learning, Marica Cox Mitchell leads the Foundation’s efforts to build quality, comprehensive early childhood services in the District of Columbia and in other communities throughout the country. Before joining the Foundation, Cox Mitchell worked for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), where she served as Deputy Executive Director, Early Learning Systems. She began her career as a teacher, working in various early learning settings as well as with young children birth through age eight. Cox Mitchell holds a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the University of Scranton as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from the University of the District of Columbia.

Delegate Glenn Davis House District 84 Delegate Glenn Davis represents the 84th House of Delegates District in the Virginia General Assembly and serves on the Education, Transportation, and General Laws Committees. He also serves as Vice Chairman of the Joint Commission on Technology and Science and chaired its Cyber Security subcommittee. His initiatives in economic development, regulatory and tax reform, and helping to grow Virginia’s small businesses have earned him multiple awards and honors from the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

Evan Feinman Chief Broadband Advisor, Office of the Governor of Virginia, Executive Director, Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

Evan Feinman is the Executive Director of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, a 28-member body created with the mission to promote economic growth and development in tobacco-dependent communities by using proceeds of the national tobacco settlement. Feinman is also the Chief Broadband Advisor for Governor Ralph Northam.

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Laura Fornash Board Member, The Hunt Institute, Senior Vice President, McGuireWoods Consulting, LLC

Laura Fornash serves as a Senior Vice President at McGuireWoods Consulting, LLC and as a member of The Hunt Institute Board of Directors. Prior to joining McGuireWoods, Fornash spent 27 years in public service including working in leadership roles at two higher education institutions. Most recently, she advised the President at the University of Virginia in her role as the Executive Assistant to the President for State Governmental Relations. She also served as the Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Virginia where she led the development and implementation of the Governor’s education priorities and provided guidance to the 16 public universities, the Virginia Community College System, the Department of Education, and the state-supported museums, library, and Arts Commission.

Dr. Mark Ginsberg Dean, College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University

Dr. Mark Ginsberg joined George Mason University in 2010 as the Dean of the College of Education and Human Development. Dr. Ginsberg’s career spans more than a 35-year period as a professor, psychologist and skilled administrator. He has published extensively in the areas of education, psychology, human development and human services. Dr. Ginsberg completed his master’s degree at Pennsylvania State University, after being awarded a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Cortland.

Dr. John B. Gordon III Superintendent, Suffolk City Public Schools

Dr. John B. Gordon has more than 24 years of experience in public education in both and Virginia. He has worked as a teacher, dean of students, assistant principal, principal, director of administrative services, and chief of schools. Before entering his current position as Superintendent of Suffolk City Public Schools, Dr. Gordon was the Chief of Schools for Chesterfield County Public Schools. Working in public education since 1995, Dr. Gordon has worked as a fifth-grade teacher in Salisbury, Maryland, and at the secondary level as a high school history teacher in both Richmond and Chesterfield, Virginia.

Dr. Shawn Green Principal, Colonel Fred Cherry Middle School, Suffolk City Public Schools

Dr. Shawn Green is the Principal at Colonel Fred Cherry Middle School at Suffolk City Public Schools. Before assuming his current position, he was the principal at John Yeates Middle School, serving in that position from 2016-2018. Prior to that, he was assistant principal at King’s Fork High School for one year and at John Yeates Middle School for eight years. Dr. Green has earned a bachelor’s degree from Norfolk State University, a master’s degree from Old Dominion University and a doctorate from Virginia Tech.

Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings Superintendent, Alexandria City Public Schools Prior to becoming Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent in July 2018, Dr. Hutchings served as the Superintendent of Shaker Heights Schools, located in a suburb of Cleveland, , for five years. An experienced educator and administrator, Dr. Hutchings has served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal at the middle and high school levels. He began his teaching career in Manassas at Prince William County Public Schools and has worked in Chesterfield County Public Schools and Nashville Public Schools where he was named Middle School Principal of the Year by the Tennessee Association of Middle Schools. Dr. Hutchings holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Old Dominion University, a master’s in educational leadership from George Mason University and a doctorate in educational policy, planning and leadership from the College of William and Mary.

2019 VIRGINIA EDUCATION SUMMIT | Program 11 RESOURCE EXPERTS Joint Meeting of the Senate Education & Health and House Education Committees

Sandi Jacobs Principal, EducationCounsel Sandi Jacobs is a Principal at EducationCounsel, where her main area of focus is educator quality. Before joining EdCounsel, Jacobs was the Senior Vice President for State and District Policy at the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), overseeing all teacher policy work, including direct work with states and testimony and presentations for national and local audiences. She previously worked at the U.S. Department of Education as a Senior Education Program Specialist for the Reading First and Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration programs and also taught fourth and fifth grade for nearly a decade at Public School 9 in Brooklyn, New York. She holds a master’s degree from Columbia University’s Teachers College and a BA from Columbia College.

Dr. Erin Kershner Principal, Venable Elementary School, Charlottesville City Public Schools Principal Erin Kershner began her teaching career in rural as a middle school language arts teacher through Teach For America. Dr. Kershner held various leadership roles in Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh, North Carolina prior to becoming the principal of Venable Elementary in 2011. Dr. Kershner has a B.A. in English & American Literature from Brown University, two master’s degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill, and a doctorate in Education Policy, Planning, and Leadership from the College of William and Mary.

Larry Landes Principal, Fort Defiance High School, Augusta County Public Schools Larry Landes is a graduate of Fort Defiance High School. He went on to graduate from James Madison University with a Health and Physical Education degree, then went to VCU to acquire his master’s degree in Administration. Before becoming a principal, Landes was a health and P.E. teacher and coach.

Dr. James Lane Superintendent of Public Instruction, Virginia Department of Education

Dr. James Lane was appointed Virginia’s 25th superintendent of public instruction in June 2018. As state superintendent, Dr. Lane serves as the executive officer of the Virginia Department of Education, which is the administrative agency for the Commonwealth’s public schools. He also serves as secretary of the state Board of Education. Prior to his appointment as the Commonwealth’s chief school officer, Dr. Lane served as a division superintendent in Chesterfield County, Goochland County and Middlesex County. He was recognized as the 2017 Virginia Superintendent of the Year for his leadership in Goochland County.

Senator Louise Lucas Senate District 18

Senator L. Louise Lucas is a Portsmouth native and product of the Portsmouth Public School System. She is President & CEO of Lucas Lodge, Lucas Transportation, Portsmouth Day Support Program and Direct Care Provider organizations operating in The Lucas Professional Center located in Portsmouth. Senator Lucas was elected to the Virginia General Assembly in November 1991 and continues to serve the citizens of the 18th Senatorial District on the following Senate Committees: Local Government, Chairwoman; Finance; Courts of Justice; Education/Health; and Rules.

Dr. Michelle Marks Vice President for Academic Innovation & New Ventures, George Mason University

Dr. Michelle Marks is the Vice President for Academic Innovation & New Ventures at George Mason University. Charged with creating accessible student pathways and bringing learning science innovations to campus, Dr. Marks leads strategic partnerships designed to deliver online programming at scale, while creating pathway programming for international students and supporting adult degree completion. Dr. Marks previously served as the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Associate Provost for Graduate Education at Mason. As a Professor of Management in Mason’s School of Business, Dr. Marks has spent her career researching organizational leadership development and teamwork.

12 2019 VIRGINIA EDUCATION SUMMIT | Program Joint Meeting of the Senate Education & Health and House Education Committees RESOURCE EXPERTS

Dr. Josh McGee Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute

Dr. Josh B. McGee is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute. Dr. McGee was appointed in 2015 to chair the Texas Pension Review Board by Governor Greg Abbott, with his term ending in 2021. His research on retirement policy, K–12 education, and economic development has been published in various scholarly journals, including Education Finance and Policy, Journal of Development Economics, and Education Next and his writing has appeared in National Affairs, Dallas Morning News, Philadelphia Inquirer, Atlanta Journal Constitution, and the Houston Chronicle. He has provided expert testimony and technical assistance in more than 50 jurisdictions and routinely speaks to the media on retirement issues and K–12 policy. Dr. McGee holds a B.S. and an M.S. in industrial engineering and a Ph.D. in economics, all from the University of .

Rene Paschal Principal, Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School, Alexandria City Public Schools

Rene Paschal is a career educator with over 30 years of experience as a teacher, counselor, and administrator. In his 21st year as a principal, Paschal came to Tucker Elementary School in 2011 and “believes that he is the luckiest man alive to have landed at a school as special as Tucker.” He is a father of four and grandfather of eight.

Dr. Maria Pitre-Martin Superintendent, Petersburg City Public Schools

With 29 years of service in public education, Dr. Pitre-Martin has held leadership positions at the school, district and state level. Before becoming Superintendent of Petersburg City Public Schools, Dr. Pitre-Martin served as deputy state superintendent for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and also served for three years as superintendent of Thomasville City Schools, a North Carolina district with 2,500 students, 93 percent of whom qualified for free or reduced-price lunch. Dr. Pitre-Martin earned her Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University, her master’s degree in Organizational Communication and her bachelor’s degree in Speech Education from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. She is a graduate of the Broad Academy for educational leaders.

Kristie Proctor Executive Director, Virginia Rural Center

A rural Virginia native and farm owner, Kristie Proctor serves as the executive director of the Center for Rural Virginia. In 2018, Governor Northam confirmed Proctor to serve on Virginia’s Broadband Advisory Council. The Broadband Advisory Council was established in Virginia’s executive branch to advise the Governor on policy and funding priorities to expedite deployment and reduce the cost of broadband access in the Commonwealth. Previously, she served at the National Federation of Independent Business where she oversaw grassroots activities in 17 states. Proctor earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Longwood University and Master of Arts degree in Government from Regent University.

Secretary Atif Qarni Secretary of Education, Commonwealth of Virginia

Prior to his appointment as Governor Northam’s Secretary of Education, Atif Qarni taught at Beville Middle School in Prince William County, leading courses in civics, economics, U.S. History, and mathematics. He also served as a GED Night School Instructor. In 2016, Secretary Qarni was recognized as the Dale City Teacher of the Year. In addition to his work as an educator, Secretary Qarni is a former Sergeant of the Marine Corps and was deployed to Iraq in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has also served at the state level, having been appointed by Governor Terry McAuliffe to the Small Business Commission in 2013. Secretary Qarni holds a Bachelor in Sociology from George University as well as a Master’s in History and a teaching license from George Mason University.

2019 VIRGINIA EDUCATION SUMMIT | Program 13 RESOURCE EXPERTS Joint Meeting of the Senate Education & Health and House Education Committees

Delegate Roxann Robinson House District 27 Delegate Roxann Robinson, an optometrist, represents the 27th District in the Virginia House of Delegates, covering part of Chesterfield County. Delegate Robinson serves on the House Education, Science and Technology, Appropriations, and Health, Welfare, and Institutions Committees. Delegate Robinson is a native of Weirton, West Virginia and has degrees from Fairmont State College and the College of Optometry.

Jon Schnur Chairman and CEO, America Achieves

Jon Schnur serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of America Achieves, a national nonprofit organization he co-founded focused on bridging the gap between education and work in a rapidly changing economy. Since 2011, Schnur has also served as Bloomberg Philanthropies’ lead outside advisor on education and skills. Jon has extensive experience in nonprofit, government, and philanthropy. He co-founded New Leaders for New Schools — a national nonprofit ensuring high academic achievement for every student by attracting and preparing outstanding school leaders — and served as its CEO from 2000 until 2011.

Dr. Javaid Siddiqi President & CEO, The Hunt Institute

Former Virginia Secretary of Education Javaid Siddiqi is the President & CEO of The Hunt Institute. Most recently, he served as the Director of the Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows, which partners with senior-level political leaders who have the knowledge, skill, and will to be effective, reform-minded education policymakers at the state level. Dr. Siddiqi began his career as a high school teacher, assistant principal, and principal in Chesterfield, Virginia, where he led the implementation of Expeditionary Learning, a nationally recognized school reform model. As Secretary of Education in Governor Bob McDonnell’s cabinet, he assisted in the development and implementation of the state’s education policy and provided guidance to 16 public universities, the Virginia Community College System, five higher education and research centers, the Department of Education, and the state-supported museums.

Patrick Sims Director of Policy & Research, The Hunt Institute

Patrick Sims is the Director of Policy & Research at The Hunt Institute where he leads research and analysis on relevant education policy issues and writes policy briefs, primers, and case studies for the Institute’s policymaker audiences. He received his B.A. in political science and philosophy and religion from Appalachian State University and a Master in Public Policy from Georgetown University. Sims has also served as an analyst for the National Council on Teacher Quality and has worked with the U.S. Department of Education and Wake County (NC) Public Schools.

Dr. Dietra Trent Chief of Staff, Office of the President, George Mason University

Dr. Dietra Trent is the Chief of Staff at George Mason University in the Office of President Anne Holton where she works closely with the leadership team and the Board of Visitors to ensure that George Mason continues its extraordinary progress and remains one of the best public research universities in Virginia. Dr. Trent has served as Secretary of Education under Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Deputy Secretary of Education under Governor , and Director of Constituent Services under Governor Mark Warner. Dr. Trent holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a Ph.D. in public policy from Virginia Commonwealth University.

14 2019 VIRGINIA EDUCATION SUMMIT | Program Joint Meeting of the Senate Education & Health and House Education Committees RESOURCE EXPERTS

Delegate Roslyn Tyler House District 75

Delegate Roslyn Tyler has been a member of the House of Delegates since 2006, representing the Counties of Brunswick, Dinwiddie, Greensville, Isle of Wight, Lunenburg, Southampton, Surry, and Sussex, as well as the Cities of Emporia and Franklin. She is the Clinical Coordinator of Rehabilitative Services for Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center and holds degrees from Virginia State University, Old Dominion University, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Belinda Urquhart Principal, Walnut Hill Elementary School, Petersburg City Public Schools

Belinda Urquhart has served as principal of Walnut Hill Elementary School in Petersburg, Virginia for six years. Under her leadership, the school has earned full accreditation for three years. She has served as a fifth grade teacher, math facilitator, Assistant Principal, and currently Principal. Mrs. Urquhart encourages a collaborative school environment as the key to creating successful teachers and students. She values building relationships with students and partnerships with the community are essential to enriching the experience at Walnut Hill Elementary.

Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg House District 72

Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg represents the 72nd District, covering part of Henrico County, in the Virginia House of Delegates. Delegate VanValkenburg was first elected in 2017 and serves on the House Education and House Privileges and Elections Committees. VanValkenburg began his teaching career in Henrico County Public Schools, first teaching at Short Pump Middle School, and now at Glen Allen High School. A native of Johnstown, NY, VanValkenburg completed both of his postsecondary degrees in the Commonwealth of Virginia, earning his bachelor’s degree at the and master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Mamie Voight Vice President of Policy Research, Institute for Higher Education Policy

Mamie Voight is the Vice President of Policy Research at the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) where she leads IHEP’s projects on affordability, transparency, and postsecondary data policy. Before joining IHEP, Mamie was a research and policy analyst and assistant director for research and policy at The Education Trust. Prior to entering the field of education policy, she worked as an engineering consultant. Voight holds a B.S. in civil engineering from Villanova University, a M.S. in civil engineering from the University of , and a M.P.P. from Georgetown University.

Maria Worthen Vice President for State and Federal Policy, Aurora Institute

Maria Worthen is Vice President for Federal and State Policy at Aurora Institute (formerly iNACOL). Previously, she served as Education Policy Advisor to the Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Senator Tom Harkin of . She also worked at the U.S. Department of Education, serving as Congressional Liaison in the Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs, Program Officer in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, and Presidential Management Fellow in the Office of Safe and Drug- Free Schools. Earlier in her career, Worthen was a pre-school teacher and a social worker, practicing with at-risk children and youth in a variety of settings. An Iowa native, she holds a B.A. in Government and Italian Language and Literature from Smith College and a master’s in social work from Washington University in St. Louis.

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