January 26, 2021, VSBA Orientation for New School Board Members and Superintendents, Virtual
Becoming a new school board member or superintendent is an honor and a privilege. Enjoy a successful and less stressful transition by attending the VSBA Orientation for New Board Members & Superintendents. Many important topics will be covered, including the roles and…
January 25-26, 2021, VSBA Capital Conference, Virtual
Advocacy by local school board members is a year-round job but is never more critical than when the Virginia General Assembly is in session. With the Virginia State Capitol and Pocahontas Building closed to visitors for the unforeseeable future, it is imperative for school…
Henrico Schools seeks input on ‘Destination 2025’ strategic plan
Henrico Schools officials are seeking the public’s input about their new strategic plan. “Destination 2025: The Plan for HCPS” articulates six goals for the school system, as well as methods to reach them and how the goals conform to the school division’s values. Each year…
Lynchburg City Schools to revert to remote-only instruction
After just over two months of hybrid learning, Lynchburg City Schools will revert to a remote-only instructional model Tuesday for the rest of the week, before the division’s winter break begins next week. In a special-called virtual meeting Monday, the Lynchburg City School…
Chesapeake School Board to meet Monday, 121 new virus cases reported in district in last 14 days
The Chesapeake School Board will provide a coronavirus return to school update during its 4 p.m. meeting Monday. It’s unclear what the board may announce, but Chesapeake schools have seen a significant number of new coronavirus cases in the past two weeks, 121 for data …
Williamsburg-James City County students to return to remote learning on Dec. 15 due to rising COVID-19 cases
School officials announced that Williamsburg-James City County Schools students will return to remote learning starting Tuesday, December 15. Students will stay in remote learning “at least until January 8,” schools officials told 10 On Your Side. “Currently, our community has more…
Virginia High School League won’t require masks during practices or games
The Virginia High School League announced Monday that it will not require masks for students during practices or games. On December 10, the VHSL announced that it “is requiring each school to follow the recommendations of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the…
Parents allowed to change learning model for students attending Bedford County Public Schools
With the continued spread of COVID-19 in the area, officials with Bath County Public Schools have announced that it is giving parents the option to change their child’s learning model if they wish. Starting on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 8 a.m., the Learning Model Option Change Form will be…
Smithfield High School to perform holiday radio show ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
Smithfield High School’s theater department will reenact, It’s a Wonderful Life, through the production of a radio show. The radio show will be under the direction of Sherilynn Castel with the help of media specialists Hattie Garrow, Patricia Hoff, and Paula Morehead. Isle of Wight…
Albemarle County Public Schools adds pickup meal program
Albemarle County Public Schools is expanding its school meal service. It’s adding multiple pickup locations across the county beginning Monday. The school pickup meal program will allow families who’s children are not learning inside school buildings to grab lunch for that day…
Fairfax County superintendent discuss tentative back to school plan
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent gave details on a tentative back to school plan. Although no final decision has been made yet, the plan now is to bring additional groups of students back to the classroom in January. School officials said the plan is part of the…
Bristol, Virginia Public Schools to revert to virtual learning starting Dec. 14
Bristol, Virginia Public Schools (BVPS) officials announced Saturday that the school system will revert to virtual learning starting Monday, Dec. 14. According to BVPS Superintendent Keith Perrigan, classes will also remain virtual after Christmas Break until at least Jan. 12…
Doctors say in-person school isn’t driving COVID-19 cases. But getting students back in class is complicated.
As COVID-19 cases skyrocket, more students and staff are getting sick. As of Friday morning, Chesapeake schools had reported 101 coronavirus cases in the past two weeks. The Virginia Department of Health has reported 1,007 cases in the city in roughly the same time frame…
The Newport News School Board signed a 30 year contract for solar panels. Will the city council allow it?
The Newport News City Council will decide whether to grant conditional use permits allowing the installation of ground-mounted solar panels at several schools in the district — and some members aren’t happy about it. They’re frustrated that the School Board did not bring the…
Spotsylvania teachers share concerns about hybrid in-person program
High school teachers in Spotsylvania County Public Schools say attendance at their in-person classes is lower than it should be, and has declined since the hybrid school option began in October. Spotsylvania students who select the hybrid option are divided into two groups…
‘Closing schools should not be an option:’ WJCC parents petition school board for in-person classes
The coronavirus pandemic has pretty much disrupted every facet of normalcy. Take for instance families with kids in school. They are now tasked with keeping students on track while they learn from home. But some parents want the school divisions to reopen full-time and have in…
Roanoke County schools see increase in failing grades; district plans targeted approach to support students
Roanoke County students earned more failing grades in the first quarter of the 2020–21 school year than in previous years, grade distribution data shows. As a result, Roanoke County Public Schools has begun targeted intervention to support struggling students. The data, presented…
NEW- Virginia Freedom of Information (FOIA) Training
The requirements of FOIA impact every school board meeting, from initial notice of the meeting to what must be included in the minutes. Board members’ thorough familiarity with FOIA helps school board meetings flow smoothly and shows the community that the board is committed…
Missed the Virtual VSBA Annual Convention? It is not too late to register to gain access to over 35 hours of educational content. Contact your school board clerk for more information.