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…
Varner Reflects on 25 years of Service
Dr. Lawrence Varner was recently recognized by the Prince Edward County Public Schools (PECPS) School Board for 25 years of service as a board member. Born at Centra Southside Community Hospital (CSCH) in Farmville, Varner was raised in southern Cumberland…
Virginia AG: Loudoun Co. schools must reform gifted program admissions process
A 13-month investigation has found “reasonable cause” to believe the public school district in Loudoun County, Virginia, discriminated against students of color who applied for gifted and talented programs. And although Loudoun County Public Schools already have plans to end…
Montgomery School Board makes COVID system adjustment
The Montgomery County School Board has decided to no longer send out districtwide emails and phone calls whenever a positive COVID-19 case is reported. Instead, the board decided to narrow the immediate reporting of each case to a specific school’s community — that means…
County Schools Receive Ag Grants
Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom has awarded 62 grants to 44 Virginia localities for the 2020-21 school year, including Rockingham County Public Schools. Funding will be allocated to provide 22,000 youth with agriculture experiences related to gardening, animal agriculture…
Stafford supervisors approve one-time stipend for school employees
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors has approved a request from the School Board to provide one-time stipends of $1,000 to all full-time school employees and $500 for part-time workers. The total cost of the stipends is approximately $4.5 million. The money will come…
School Board receives input
The Brunswick County School Board met on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020 in the Brunswick High School cafeteria to receive comments from parents and teachers on whether to continue with virtual instruction for the second semester, return to in-person instruction, or a combination of…
Henrico County student suspended after protesting in virtual classroom, seeks to appeal with help of ACLU
The American Civil Liberties Union represented a Henrico County high school student at his suspension hearing today. Kenton Vizdos is facing his second suspension this year from Deep Run High School for attempts to conduct a silent protest during class. Vizdos has full support…
Virginia State Board of Education waives some SOL requirements
State education officials on Thursday decided to ease several testing and graduation requirements to reduce stress and limit the need for in-person assessments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under emergency guidance approved by the Virginia Board of Education…
Chesterfield Schools sees uptick in COVID-19 cases, rise in 7-day average
For parents with students in hybrid learning at Chesterfield Schools, there’s been an uptick in COVID-19 cases this week. Also, the 7-day average, which could trigger a return to virtual learning, is growing. Chesterfield is reporting 28 new cases just this week in its schools…
Winchester schools will switch to 100% online learning through Dec. 2
Winchester Public Schools announced Friday that all students will switch to 100% online learning beginning Monday through Dec. 2 because of a spike in COVID-19 cases in the community and beyond. Superintendent Jason Van Heukelum shared in a letter with division…
Danville Public Schools confirm positive case of COVID-19 at Galileo Magnet High School
On Friday, officials with Danville Public Schools were made aware of a positive case of COVID-19 at an area high school. The case involves an individual at Galileo Magnet High School. This case has no connection with the previous case announced at the school earlier this week…
Two new members to join Manassas school board
When the new year rolls around, Manassas will have two new school board members. Vice Chairman Kristen Kiefer and Scott Albrecht, whose 20 years on the board made him the longest-serving member, both declined to run again in this month’s election. Taking their…
Albemarle schools look for ways make up learning lost to COVID
The full cost of the COVID-19 pandemic to Albemarle County students will not be known for a long time, but schools officials already are planning how to help them make up for lost learning. “With the anticipation of the academic learning loss and school-based social emotional…
Alexandria turns controversy into opportunity by teaching students the racist history behind school names
On a recent Wednesday morning, Andrea Houston greeted her fourth-graders with a question. “Have you guys,” she asked the roughly 20 9- and 10-year-olds gathered on Zoom, “heard the buzz in Alexandria City Public Schools?” Two boys’ hands shot up. One mentioned signs he’d…
December 9 & 10, Two Part Insights for Budget Basics & Finance 101
Virginia public school budgeting will be discussed, including roles of elected officials, fiduciary requirements, stakeholders, and budget reports. Revenue categories will be explained, including state formulas, federal funding, local funding, and tax rates. Reserve your webinar…