December 29, 2020
NewsDaily NewsDecember 29, 2020

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…

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…

Diversity, transparency tops wishlist for new Prince William schools leader
More than 20 people have already applied to replace Dr. Steven L. Walts, one of the longest-serving public school superintendents in Virginia. Walts has led the Prince William County Public Schools for the past 15 years and will retire on July 1, 2021. The Prince William County…

Cybersecurity program coming to Louisa County High School
With help from an elite, big-money grant, Louisa County High School is launching a virtual cybersecurity program next school year. The Louisa school division is one of five school districts nationwide to receive $100,000 for the implementation of a cybersecurity academy. After two…

Yorktown Student Pursuing Pilot’s License Accepted to Naval Academy
Nilah Williamson, the Yorktown High School senior who was recently featured on Good Morning America for pursuing a pilot’s license before a driver’s license, will be attending the U.S. Naval Academy next fall. Williamson said she wants to major in chemistry, a field that she is…

Middlesex, VA schools to stay hybrid
The Middlesex County School Board (MCSB) agreed Monday, Dec. 14, at the board’s regular monthly meeting to continue the current hybrid school plan with students attending school in-person two days a week. The Virginia Education Association is recommending that schools…

Green Ridge begins scholarship fund
County and school officials gathered Thursday, Dec. 17, to accept a $60,000 check for a scholarship fund created by Green Ridge Recycling and Disposal Facility, LLC (Green Ridge) for Cumberland County Public Schools (CuCPS) students. The money will be awarded to…

‘In a time where theater goes dark, we reunite:’ Spotlight Theatre Society looks to connect Chesterfield County theater students
When COVID-19 abruptly shut down Chesterfield County schools last March, students were not only left in academic limbo but also missing extracurriculars such as sports, clubs and theater. Josie Brooks, then a junior at James River High, was in the midst of directing the spring…

The new normal
Ahead of an end-of-year deadline for spending CARES Act funds, Halifax County Public Schools has invested in a fleet of fixtures, equipment and supplies to keep students and staff safe and healthy. The expenditures — on items such as disinfecting misting backpacks…

Suffolk schools again delay return to in-person learning, winter sports still suspended
Suffolk schools will not bring students back to in-person person learning starting in early January, instead opting to continue virtually due to a continued rise in COVID-19 cases over the holidays. Suffolk Public Schools made the announcement Monday on social media. The…

Pandemic postpones early season high school basketball games
The high school basketball season is scheduled to begin this week, but as opening day nears it appears unlikely teams will able to play due to the coronavirus pandemic. Under current Phase 2 rules for practice, teams are still social distancing and not allowed to share basketballs…

School Board Seeks Applicants For Board Vacancy
The Falls Church City School Board seeks applications from qualified individuals to fulfill the term of School Board member Lawrence Webb, who will resign effective January 4, 2021. Applications may be submitted by qualified voters in the City of Falls Church who are not…

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…ecem