September 23, 2021 VSBA Legislative Advocacy Conference, Registration Open for In-Person Event
In 2021, Virginians will decide who will lead the Commonwealth by electing the next Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General, as well as deciding control of the Virginia House of Delegates. Being informed on the issues shaping Virginia and learning how to advocate on…
Universal mask requirement in place after students test positive following ‘Back To School Bash’
Carroll County Public Schools decided this week to reverse a recent policy regarding mask mandates in the school district after a “Back to School Bash” resulted in a group of high school students being diagnosed with COVID-19…
Those attending Tuesday’s Pittsylvania County School Board meeting exposed to COVID-19
Individuals attending Tuesday night’s Pittsylvania County School Board meeting — where residents and 5th District Congressman Bob Good spoke out against face masks for students — were potentially exposed to COVID-19. The local office of the Virginia Department of Health…
Prince William County Public Schools Releases ARPA Summary Plan To Address Unfinished Learning Efforts
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) provides additional funding to school systems to support unfinished learning efforts. Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) is eligible for approximately $88 million in ARPA funding with an additional $4.8 million in Title 6B ARPA…
State mandates COVID-19 vaccinations for state workers; Richmond School Board to follow suit
First came the universities. Then came the City of Richmond. Then Gov. Ralph S. Northam followed their lead in imposing a mandate on most state employees to get vaccinated against coronavirus. And next Monday, Aug. 16, the Richmond School Board is anticipated to be the…
Fauquier County Public Schools reverses course, will mandate masks indoors
The Fauquier County school board has reversed its mask-optional policy, saying it will now be enforcing Gov. Ralph Northam’s K-12 mask mandate for all teachers, students and staff starting Monday. At a hearing Friday afternoon, various board members expressed social, medical…
Wythe County Public Schools shares statement on transgender policies
On Friday morning, Wythe County Public Schools became the latest district in the New River Valley to share its policies with regard to the treatment of transgender students.In the statement shared on social media on Friday, Aug. 13, school officials announced that they would work…
Lynchburg City Schools apologizes for bus route issues during first days of school
Lynchburg school officials issued a statement on Thursday after a number of parents had to drive their kids to and from their first day of school on Wednesday because buses were either late or never showed up. “We stepped out on the bus stop about 7:30 this morning…
Albemarle School Board adopts vaccination, testing requirements for employees
The Albemarle County School Board adopted an emergency COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for all employees. Employees will have to show proof of being vaccinated against the virus by Sept. 15 or get tested weekly. This comes after Albemarle County government…
Loudoun County School Board delays vote on transgender policy
A culture battle is underway in Loudoun County as the school board gets closer to making a decision on a proposed policy inclusive of transgender students in the public schools. The meeting was held under tight security tonight. People began gathering outside the school…
Arlington County Government And Arlington Public Schools Implement COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate For All Employees
Arlington County and APS have offered vaccines to all employees and continue to follow Virginia Department of Health guidance regarding vaccination. APS is committed to ensuring that Arlington schools open safely and remain open for student learning; and Arlington County…
Masks mandated in Floyd schools
With less than 48 hours until the beginning of the school year, Floyd County Public Schools announced last night that masking will now be required indoors for all students, staff, teachers and visitors in county schools, reversing an announcement from last week. A number of…
Public outbursts interrupt Bedford County School Board meeting
Following several outbursts from members of the public, the Bedford County School Board momentarily paused its Thursday-night meeting and removed the public from the meeting room. The board resumed the meeting momentarily and the public was allowed back into the room…
COVID cases confirmed in Staunton City Schools on Day 2 of school year
It only took until the second day of the school year for cases of COVID to be diagnosed in local schools. Shelburne Middle School parents received a letter Wednesday informing them that “a student or staff member in our school has been diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019…
Online petition calls for FCPS to extend online learning due to COVID-19
An online petition calling for Fairfax County Public Schools to provide a virtual learning option when the new school year starts on Aug. 23 has garnered some support. Citing concerns about kids returning in person amid increases in COVID-19 cases, the Change.org petition asks…
Magna Awards Nominations Open
Applications for the 2022 Magna Awards are now open. The Magna Awards program focuses on equity in education. It recognizes district programs that remove barriers to achievement for vulnerable or underserved children. A grand prize and five winners will be awarded in each…