VSBA April Hot Topic Conference, April 13, 2021
Join us virtually for the 2021 VSBA April Hot Topic Conference. This conference brings together dynamic speakers addressing issues that are important and relevant to every school division. This year we will be discussing the important of collective bargaining. Attendees will hear from…
2021 Budget Workshop, May 6, 2021
Join us for the VSBA’s Budget Training workshop to learn more about the importance of The Board’s Role in Developing the School Budget. In this virtual workshop, based on member requests, board members will learn their role in the budget process and how it relates to the…
GHS graduation will be held at drive-in theater for second year
For the second time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Goochland High School seniors will be spending their graduation day at the movies. On June 7, at 8 p.m., Goochland County Public Schools will hold commencement exercises at the Goochland Drive-In Theater in Hadensville…
Fewer Virginia students have applied for college financial aid this year, and the drop is worse at low-income schools
The pandemic hasn’t stopped Lisa Evans, college and career coach at Bethel and Hampton high schools, from working with students on their post-graduation plans. There are still college visits, meetings with students and families, classroom presentations and college application…
Governor Northam signs bill affecting in-person schooling
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has signed a bill requiring public schools to offer in-person instruction “at least the minimum number of required instructional hours.” Advocates on both sides agree that equates to essentially full-time. It would take effect July 1. “So while we’re…
Central Virginia school districts detail fall education plans
In what has been a year of ups and downs, schools in central Virginia are now looking ahead to the fall. They hope to make things as normal as possible, starting with filling up their parking lots. “At this point what we are looking at is five day a week, in-person instruction for all…
RCPS looking into offensive posts following Hidden Valley loss to Cave Spring Friday
Roanoke County Public Schools is investigating at least one disturbing social media post following Hidden Valley High School’s loss to Cave Spring in Friday’s football matchup. The references were allegedly made on social media by members or fans of the Cave Spring High…
York H.S. student with epilepsy fights for changes in schools
It all started when Jamie Van Cleave was called a demon by an eighth grade classmate. Diagnosed with epilepsy when she was just seven years old, Jamie, now 17, has experienced frightening seizures since she was a first grader. “Jamie typically deals with nocturnal…
Norfolk Public Schools are seeking input on rebuilding & renovation options for aging school buildings
Norfolk Public Schools and the consulting firm Cooperative Strategies are working to develop the school division’s master facility plan to rebuild and renovate Norfolk’s aging schools and facilities. As of now, there are 49 schools and student centers operating within NPS the with…
Albemarle School Board signs off on school naming recommendations
Another Albemarle County school is getting a new name, following a unanimous decision by the School Board on Thursday night. Starting July 1, the division’s charter school will be called Community Lab School, which was the name suggested by an advisory committee of…
Bedford County Public Schools exploring three graduation options
Bedford County Public Schools is exploring three options for in-person 2021 graduation ceremonies, all of which would allow at least two guests per graduate. At the Bedford County School Board’s Thursday meeting, Tony Francis, director of secondary programs and career…
Franklin schools moving to in-person learning 4 days a week
Franklin City Public Schools is moving up to 4 days of in-person learning a week. The school board approved Superintendent Tamara Sterling’s recommendation during their work session on Thursday and the change will take effect on Monday, April 19. 1 day per week will still be…
New Prince William schools superintendent earned praise for work in Chicago
The night that LaTanya McDade, the current chief education officer of Chicago Public Schools, was announced as the next superintendent of Prince William County Public Schools, the praise began pouring in. Superintendents from school divisions in Indianapolis, Baltimore and…
Complaint asks Gov. to intervene in GCPS decision for football/school
AGreene County parent has filed a complaint at the local, regional and state levels regarding COVID-19 protocols as they pertain to the William Monroe High School football team. Stephen Fitch filed the complaint with Gov. Ralph Northam’s office on Monday morning, after…
Lord Botetourt football coach files defamation lawsuit against Roanoke County officials
Lord Botetourt High School head football coach Jamie Harless this week sued a Roanoke County School Board member, the superintendent of schools and two principals alleging they defamed him. In papers filed Monday in Roanoke County Circuit Court, Harless is seeking…
2021 VSBA Business Honor Roll Open Now
Local businesses have the power to shape community attitudes about public schools. Every spring, the VSBA Business Honor Roll provides a way for local school divisions to recognize local businesses for their support, especially as schools face increasing budget uncertainty…