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…
Northam: Time to start reopening schools; they are ‘safe’
Virginia’s public schools need to begin planning how to resume in-person learning, Gov. Ralph Northam said Thursday as the state rolled out new guidelines for school districts on how to make that decision. “I know that parents and teachers and students are eager to get back to…
With school board deadlocked, Bedford student athletes rally in support of winter sports
Although the Bedford County School Board took no action Thursday regarding winter sports, around 200 middle and high school athletes in the division gathered outside the board meeting demanding to be heard. The school board unanimously voted last month to fully fund winter….
Wilt Files School Remediation Task Force Bill
Norfolk’s public schools won’t have winter sports in 2021. The district is the latest in Hampton Roads to cancel the season due to the pandemic. Chesapeake, Hampton and Newport News just canceled earlier this week. “After careful review of current health conditions and metrics…
Loudoun County Public Schools incorporates ‘gender expression’ into policy
The Loudoun County School Board voted Thursday to incorporate the words “gender expression” into Loudoun County Public Schools policy, the latest in a recent series of changes to school system regulations seeking to enhance equity for students and staff who are part of…
2,000 area teachers to get first dose of COVID-19 vaccine
Health officials announced Friday that they will hold a mass vaccination clinic Jan. 22 for public and private school teachers in the Roanoke Valley. The goal is to get 2,000 teachers vaccinated in one day. The Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts are partnering with Carilion…
If teachers get raise, state employees ask ‘why not us?’
State employees listened closely to Gov. Ralph Northam when he told the General Assembly on Wednesday that he wants to turn bonuses into raises for teachers. It’s what they didn’t hear that concerns them. Northam didn’t mention state and other public employees who would receive…
Franklin City Public Schools votes to remain virtual through 3rd Nine Weeks
Franklin City Public Schools (FCPS) has voted to remain virtual through the 3rd Nine Weeks. The School Board meeting was held Jan. 14 to vote on the decision on remaining virtual. FCPS Superintendent Dr. Tamara Sterling recommended the option to the board due to rising…
Radford City schools closing all buildings on Inauguration Day
Radford City Public Schools Superintendent Rob Graham is making a decision he feels, “is in the best interest of the entire school community.” On Jan. 20, 2021, no school district buildings will be open. This decision comes after school leadership has heard from many governmental…
Bath County Public Schools shares schedule for return to in-person instruction
Bath County Public Schools (BCPS) will continue its phased approach to bring students back into the classrooms by early February. On Monday, Jan. 11, school officials began to allow select “vulnerable learners” to return to school for two days per week for support provided in…
Mitnick announces resignation from School Board
Citing multiple medical issues, Suffolk School Board member David Mitnick announced Thursday that he is resigning from the board effective Friday. Mitnick made the announcement, reading from his letter of resignation during the board’s Jan. 14 meeting, and board members…
Virginia releases new guidelines for K-12 schools, governor says ‘schools need to be open’
The Virginia Department of Education (VDE) released new coronavirus guidelines Thursday that encourage Virginia’s school districts to safely hold classes in-person. The 14-page document is a stark departure from previous advice, as it makes a case for some face-to-face learning to…
Richmond Public schools cancel fall sports season, including football
Richmond Public Schools, which consist of John Marshall, Huguenot, George Wythe, Armstrong and Thomas Jefferson, has canceled the fall sports season, which includes Football. including football. “We kind of knew this might be the result with everything that’s going on,” said John…
Giles County Public Schools announces timetable for in-person learning transition
School officials in Giles County released a timetable for transitioning the rest of the school district’s elementary, middle, and high school students to four days a week of in-person learning by the end of January. On Tuesday, Jan. 19, Giles County Public Schools says fourth through…
Falls Church Schools Staff To Be Vaccinated On Monday
All of the Falls Church City Public Schools staff are set to be vaccinated after they became eligible in Virginia’s phase 1b of COVID-19 vaccinations. FCCPS spokesperson John Wesley Brett said in an email that some staff are part of the Fairfax County Public Schools vaccinations
New Princess Anne Middle School highlights innovative classroom styles and eco-friendly elements
Out with the old, and in with the new. After demolishing the old Princess Anne Middle School building in Virginia Beach, the new $77.9-million school to replace it is almost finished. Executive Director of Facilities Services for Virginia Beach City Public Schools Tony Arnold…
Chesapeake prepares to bring students back to classrooms, despite high positivity rate
Friday, the city of Chesapeake had the highest COVID-19 positivity rate in Hampton Roads, at 22.8 %. Regardless of the high positivity rate, Chesapeake City Public Schools students will go back to the classroom as planned for in-person learning next week. Chesapeake School…
VSBA Employer Commendation Submissions Open Now
Would you like to thank your employer for supporting you and your work as a school board member? Every January, the VSBA Employer Commendation Program provides school board members with the opportunity to thank their employers for providing the support and/or…