March 17, 2021, VSBA March Hot Topic
Join us as we gather virtually for an informative and important conference. This conference will be focusing specifically on multiple hot topics in education. You will hear from three leaders in public education throughout the event speaking on the topics of Race and Equity…
Senators kill legislation aimed at increasing diversity within Virginia’s elite public high schools
A Senate committee voted Thursday to kill legislation aimed at expanding diversity in Virginia’s governor’s schools — a hot-button issue that’s sown debate at some of the state’s elite public institutions. Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw, D-Fairfax, made the motion to table the bill…
Gov. Northam to allow up to 250 people in stands for sporting events in Virginia
Gov. Ralph Northam will allow more people to attend sporting events in-person, in Virginia. 250 people, or spectators, are now allowed to be present at sporting venues in the state, according to the new information mandated from Northam during a news conference on Wednesday…
Chesapeake schools’ superintendent to serve on statewide team set to guide in reopening and recovery
School officials announced Wednesday that the Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane has asked Chesapeake schools’ superintendent to join the Virginia LEARNS Workgroup. The group is designed to assess the needs of students and support schools as they provide…
GCPS outlines use of CARES Act funds
Planning for the yearly budget is a complex process—made even more so this year due to added expenses and federal funding relief, both due to the coronavirus pandemic. At the school board meeting Jan. 13, Greene County Public Schools (GCPS) Superintendent Dr. Andrea…
City planners pleased with Douglas School renovation plans
The site plan for renovations at the former Douglas School on North Kent Street is expected to receive administrative approval within the next few weeks from the Winchester Planning Department. The city’s Planning Commission reviewed the site plan on Tuesday and, aside…
Roanoke County fall high school sports teams allowed to compete out of county
Roanoke County middle and high school fall sports teams are allowed to schedule games outside the county, the school board voted Wednesday morning, revising a previous decision that only allowed in-county competitions. The board’s audible to allow a district schedule…
Prince William School Board Confirms School Return Dates
The Prince William County School Board voted 6-3, Thursday morning, to adhere to its Return to School (Building) plan proposed on Jan. 12, thereby, over-riding objections by the superintendent. “This is essentially holding to the plan that we approved a month ago; this is…
The Art and Practice of Being a School Board Chair
On Tuesday, February 2, Brunswick County School Board Vice-Chair, Dr. Elizabeth Burns, attended the Virginia School Boards Association Virtual Orientation for New Chairs/Vice-Chairs. “Having the chance to learn from experts in the education community and network with other…
General Assembly committee tables constitutional amendment targeting educational disparities
Virginia State Senator Bill Stanley (R-20) was angry Wednesday, after a House of Delegates committee tabled a constitutional amendment he proposed to address educational disparities across the Commonwealth. The Virginia constitution guarantees a public education for school…
Some Students Set to Return to Norfolk Public Schools
Some students in Norfolk, Virginia, will be returning to the city’s public schools for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic closed them nearly a year ago. The Virginian-Pilot reports that Norfolk’s school board on Wednesday approved a plan to allow elementary school students to…
Shenandoah County schools chief announces proposed budget
At Tuesday’s Shenandoah County School Board meeting, Superintendent Mark Johnston presented his proposed $85,290,988 budget for the fiscal year 2022. The budget includes a $73,756,931 operating budget, $4,272,527 for special budgets, $4,756,965 for capital…
Grades 7-11 heading back to in person learning in York Co.
York County Schools are planning to bring back more students to in person learning beginning February 22. Co. Students in grades 7-11 will be returning in a hybrid model. Beginning Monday February 22, 11th grade students will return to school. These students will be followed by…
LCPS recognizes school board
Lunenburg County Public Schools (LCPS) joins 132 school divisions throughout the commonwealth to celebrate School Board Appreciation Month in February. The LCPS School Board was recognized with a meal donated by all four schools along with flowers, candy, and…
Virginia schools not likely to meet 5 days a week in-person learning goal
School districts across Virginia have no timeline on when students could return to in-person instruction five days a week. While most schools across northern Virginia started phasing in students for in-person instruction this week, FOX 5’s Tisha Lewis reports a Fairfax County…
Suffolk Public Schools’ Superintendent to host Facebook live discussion on reopening schools
Superintendent Dr. John B. Gordon III will host a Facebook Live discussion about the reopening of schools and answer questions from the community. It will be held Friday, February 19, 2021, at 2 p.m. Parents can submit questions here. The Superintendent will provide a response to…
Virginia General Assembly Weekly Update
The 2021 session of the Virginia General Assembly is in its final weeks and to provide school board members with the latest information from the legislature, the VSBA Government Relations team will continue to conduct weekly Friday afternoon briefings via Zoom. Use the link above to register.
VSBA Student Essay Contest
The Virginia School Boards Association is holding a personal essay/speaking contest where the winner will have an opportunity to present before an audience of more than 300 school board members and administrators at the 2021 Virtual VSBA Conference on Education held July 20…