November 18-20, VSBA Virtual Annual Convention
The VSBA Annual Convention is the largest and most anticipated VSBA meeting of the year. While this year our Annual Convention may look a little different, and we won’t get to see your smiling faces in person, we hope you’ll find our event schedule to be just as enriching and…
Scott County Public Schools switch to remote learning starting Nov. 2 due to rise in COVID-19 cases
Students in Scott County, Virginia are headed back home for learning due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in our region. According to a post from Rye Cove High School Principal Chris Stapleton, all Scott County Public Schools will return to remote learning on Monday…
Northam signs executive order allowing VHSL sports to return in December
After five months of discussions and planning, high school sports are primed to return in Virginia later this year. Governor Ralph Northam gave the go-ahead for the Virginia High School League and its 318 member schools to proceed with its Championship + 1 schedule Thursday when…
At $190K a year, Angela Hairston’s contract with Danville Public Schools makes her highest-paid superintendent in region
When Danville Public Schools welcomes Angela Hairston into the superintendent role on Dec. 1, she will immediately become the highest-paid superintendent in the region. A review of Hairston’s contract, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, shows the new…
After Questioning In-Person Classes, Chesterfield Official Bullied
Chesterfield County School Board Vice Chair Dot Heffron deactivated her Twitter account earlier this week after receiving harassing comments in response to her questioning in-person learning safety. The comments, which ranged from telling Heffron to get ready for a recall, to…
Construction of new city schools didn’t meet deadline, goal for minority participation
Richmond has built three new school buildings, but can teachers and students use them if the School Board decides to restart in-person learning? Yes, for Henry L. Marsh III and Cardinal elementary schools, which just gained the required temporary occupancy permits allowing…
Roanoke County schools pass 100 COVID-19 cases in a single month, but infections are coming from outside school
Roanoke County Public Schools has reported more than 100 cases of COVID-19 among students and staff since the start of October, more than triple the number of cases reported in September. But contact tracing in partnership with the local health department has shown that…
Hampton reduces number of students returning Wednesday, citing teacher shortage
Hampton’s school system changed its reopening plan at close to the last minute, announcing late Friday that fewer students than planned will return to the classroom next week. Only pre-K and kindergarten students, along with certain students with disabilities and English language…
Virginia Department of Education stepping up its monitoring after critical federal report
Richmond and other local public school divisions will face more oversight of their special education programs from the Virginia Department of Education. Notification that VDOE is stepping up its monitoring went out last month and follows a critical federal report issued June…
Bedford County Public Schools superintendent announces resignation
Few members of the Bedford County community Thursday were surprised by Bedford County Public Schools Superintendent Doug Schuch’s late-night announcement Wednesday that he would step down six months earlier than expected, after 11 years at the helm. In a letter…
Accomack Schools Consider Mental Health Days for Students, Staff
A Nandua Middle School student spoke to the Accomack school board last week to raise awareness of mental health issues in teens and what the school board can do to help. Ciara Onley described a typical school day for a teenager. “You walk into school. To your right, you…
Here’s a look at who’s running for Arlington County’s Board of Education
During the 2020 General Election, Arlington County residents will have the chance to decide on members of the Board of Education for the county’s school system. Two seats are open this year on the Arlington School Board, a five-member body that helps oversee the Arlington…
HCPS honored among best green schools; VMNH nominated;
Henry County Public Schools is one of three school divisions to be honored by the 2020 Virginia School Boards Association’s 11th annual Green Schools Challenge, which is to encourage specific environmental policies and practical actions that reduce carbon emissions. Henry…
Virtual classes canceled for Norfolk Public Schools Monday due to network services being offline
Norfolk Public Schools announced Sunday that it has canceled virtual classes for Monday due to network services being offline. Classes are canceled for November 2 and the school says that services are expected to be restored by 6 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4. The day will be…
Hometown school wins exemplary reading award
One hometown elementary school is being recognized for its literary practices in and out of the classroom. Price’s Fork Elementary won this year’s Exemplary Reading Award from the New River Valley Reading Chapter. It is the only elementary school in Blacksburg that’s Title I with…
Wednesday October 29, 2020 Early Bird Session at the VSBA Annual Convention
Student Achievement and Success During Times of Uncertainty: The Early Bird session participants will gain various insights pertaining to the importance of a high quality systems approach relating to the core business of teaching and learning as well as establishing a…