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The Virginia Senate Education and Health Committee has just advanced a wave of impactful education and health bills, but some controversial measures have been put on hold—what's next for these critical issues?

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#VA #EducationReform #VirginiaEducation #PublicHealth
Senate Education and Health Committee advances scores of education and health bills; several referred to Finance
The Senate Education and Health Committee in Richmond on Jan. 30 moved dozens of education and health bills — including measures on at‑risk student funding, school discipline, career technical education and child care assistance — many reported to the Finance Committee or re‑referred to other panels. Several contested education bills were passed by indefinitely.
citizenportal.ai
January 31, 2026 at 12:15 AM
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Virginia's House Bill 199 is set to provide vital flexibility for local school assessments, receiving unanimous support from educators who believe it will enhance instructional time.

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#VA #VirginiaEducation #EducationalFlexibility #InstructionalTime #LocalAssessment
Subcommittee extends flexibility for local alternative assessments (HB 199)
HB 199 would temporarily extend local alternative growth assessments while the state finalizes new assessment contracts; the subcommittee reported the bill unanimously after wide support from school divisions and education groups.
citizenportal.ai
January 30, 2026 at 8:51 PM
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A new bill in Virginia proposes free tuition for the top 2% of high school students at local universities, but concerns from university leaders have put the plan on hold.

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#VA #FinancialAidReform #VirginiaEducation #BrainDrainSolution #HigherEducation #CitizenPortal
Delegate’s top‑2% tuition idea laid on table after university concerns
An idea bill proposing free tuition at a geographically corresponding public university for students in the top 2% of their high‑school class was introduced for discussion and then laid on the table after university representatives raised concerns about financial aid and program administration; the patron said he will continue working on it.
citizenportal.ai
January 30, 2026 at 8:35 PM
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Virginia's K-12 subcommittee just greenlit a groundbreaking package of bills aimed at enhancing teacher mental-health training, ensuring free school meals, and tackling internet safety in the age of AI.

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#VA #VirginiaEducation #MentalHealthAwareness #InternetSafetyAI
K‑12 subcommittee reports bills on teacher mental‑health training, free breakfast, AI in internet‑safety curriculum and other measures
The House education committee’s K‑12 subcommittee recommended reporting a package of bills to the full committee, including HB 38 (mental‑health training), HB 96 (mandatory participation in federal meal programs and free breakfast on request), HB 171 (internet safety covering AI content), and others; all were reported by committee vote.
citizenportal.ai
January 30, 2026 at 8:31 PM
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The Virginia K-12 Education Subcommittee just greenlit a groundbreaking set of bills aimed at transforming school policies, from banning energy drinks to expanding in-school SAT testing for all students!

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#VA #EducationReform #VirginiaEducation #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
K-12 Education Subcommittee advances wide slate of school bills, including local energy-drink authority and statewide SAT access
The House K-12 Education Subcommittee advanced a package of bills on Jan. 28 that would let local school boards limit caffeinated beverages, expand in-school SAT access, add health- and career-literacy requirements, and make several programmatic and procedural changes. Most measures were reported favorably and several were sent to appropriations.
citizenportal.ai
January 30, 2026 at 3:36 PM
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A new bill aims to empower Virginia teachers with essential training to better support students' mental health needs, addressing critical workforce shortages.

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#VA #VirginiaEducation #MentalHealthAwareness #TeacherTraining #StudentSupport #CitizenPortal
Subcommittee advances bill to strengthen school mental‑health training for staff
HB 38 would require at least one evidence‑based mental‑health awareness training for full‑time teachers and designated school personnel; the bill reported 9‑1 after supporters cited workforce shortages and advocates urged alignment with APA standards.
citizenportal.ai
January 30, 2026 at 2:22 PM
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A new bill could ensure teachers get paid for their time when schools take away their planning and lunch periods—could this be the change educators have been waiting for?

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#VA #FiscalResponsibility #VirginiaEducation #LaborRights #PublicEducation #CitizenPortal
Subcommittee advances bill to clarify pay when schools take teachersplanning or lunch periods
Del. Delia Maldonadosponsored HB670 to clarify that earned wages are due when school systems remove teachersplanning or lunch periods and to waive sovereign immunity for claims under the section; the measure was reported to Appropriations with amendments, 5-2.
citizenportal.ai
January 30, 2026 at 11:24 AM
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Virginia's House Bill 1221, passed unanimously, aims to revolutionize state financial aid programs by consolidating long-standing initiatives and forming a new work group to reshape college financing for families.

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#VA #FinancialAidReform #PolicyImplementation #VirginiaEducation
Subcommittee moves bill to reform state aid programs, creates Secretary-led work group
House Bill 1221, reported 7-0, would consolidate long-standing state aid programs and creates a Secretary of Education–led work group to recommend reforms; higher-education representatives and the administration expressed support during the hearing.
citizenportal.ai
January 29, 2026 at 5:26 PM
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Virginia's SB 102 is set to tackle rural workforce shortages by enabling schools to offer vital certifications like CNA and EMT through community college partnerships, but not without ensuring instructor standards are met.

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#VA #WorkforceDevelopment #VirginiaEducation
Panel backs allowing CNA/EMT/Firefighter dual‑enrollment with instructor licensure safeguards
The subcommittee recommended SB 102, which permits school divisions to offer CNA, EMT and Firefighter I certifications through dual enrollment; members added an amendment requiring instructors meet CTE provisional licensure standards to address concerns about waiving teacher requirements.
citizenportal.ai
January 27, 2026 at 5:29 PM
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Virginia is taking a crucial step towards saving young lives by introducing a bill that mandates water-safety instruction in elementary schools by 2027—could this be the key to preventing drowning accidents?

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#VA #VirginiaEducation #HealthEducation #PublicSafety #ChildWellbeing
Panel endorses guidance for elementary water‑safety instruction; sponsor says it can save lives
SB 151 would require the Board of Education to make water‑safety guidelines available to school boards for incorporation into health/PE instruction by 2027–28; the subcommittee reported the bill after supporters emphasized drowning risks and said it would not require pools or formal swim lessons.
citizenportal.ai
January 27, 2026 at 5:21 PM
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Virginia's Senate has taken a bold step towards safeguarding students by proposing a study on tech tools to identify at-risk youth, while ensuring racial and cultural biases are addressed.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #VirginiaEducation #MentalHealth #BiasMitigation #TechnologyInEducation
Senate panel OKs study of school tech to identify at-risk students, adds bias‑mitigation clause
The subcommittee approved Senator Favola’s SB 39 directing a VDOE work group to study technology used to identify students at risk of harming themselves or others, adopting an amendment requiring the group to consider racial and cultural bias mitigation; supporters cited privacy and implementation concerns, while a child psychiatrist urged stronger parental notification.
citizenportal.ai
January 27, 2026 at 4:36 PM
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The Virginia House of Delegates is taking significant steps to reshape education and tax policies, advancing a series of impactful bills that could change the lives of countless Virginians.

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#VA #EducationReform #VirginiaEducation #MentalHealthAwareness #TaxTransparency
House advances multiple education, tax and transparency bills; several moved to third reading
The Virginia House of Delegates on Jan. 22 advanced a package of bills — including measures on school mental‑health training, lab‑school transparency, retirement savings eligibility, and local tax options — moving many to third reading or engrossing them for final passage.
citizenportal.ai
January 27, 2026 at 4:22 PM
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Virginia's education subcommittee just moved forward with a groundbreaking set of bills addressing technology, childcare reform, and universal school meals!

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#VA #STEMEducation #VirginiaEducation #ChildcareReform #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
Votes at a glance: Education subcommittee reports measures on technology, CTE, childcare, meals and safety
The Senate education subcommittee reported a package of bills to the full committee on topics including school technology, CTE dual‑enrollment, STEM grants, parental notification, childcare reform, universal breakfast, water safety and teacher scholarships. Vote tallies and actions are listed below.
citizenportal.ai
January 27, 2026 at 4:13 PM
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Virginia's education board is tackling the chaotic credit disparities that make it tough for teachers to earn their Algebra 1 endorsements—could a new regulatory proposal change the game?

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#VA #EducationReform #VirginiaEducation #RegulatoryChange #TeacherLicensure
State licensure board outlines NORA to resolve uneven credit requirements for Algebra add-on and geometry endorsements
Staff presented a proposal to open regulations after data from educator-preparation programs showed wide variation in course credit values, creating barriers to the 24-semester-hour requirement for an Algebra 1 add-on; board members suggested alternatives including a 12-hour minimum or competency-based language.
citizenportal.ai
January 22, 2026 at 10:26 PM
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Virginia's Deputy Superintendent is shaking up educator support with bold changes to Title II funding that could transform teacher recruitment and retention!

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#VA #TeacherPreparation #EducatorRetention #VirginiaEducation #PublicComment #CitizenPortal
Deputy superintendent previews Title I/II updates to consolidated state plan, expands Title II uses to support licensure and retention
Deputy Superintendent Booker Dwyer outlined proposed amendments to Virginia’s consolidated state plan, saying Title II language would be broadened to fund residency programs, webinars, resource development and marketing to support licensure pathways and educator retention; the plan has not yet been released for public comment.
citizenportal.ai
January 22, 2026 at 5:54 PM
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Virginia Beach City Public Schools just secured over $150,000 for equitable Title I services, but educators are demanding better pay and resources to support our teachers and students!

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#VA #VirginiaEducation #EquitableFunding #CitizenPortal #TeacherCompensation
Board places $150,000 Title I reallocation on consent; public speakers press for better staff pay and supports
VDOE guidance allows VBCPS to apply for just over $150,000 in FY2024 Title I reallocation funds restricted to equitable services for private‑school students; public commenters urged the board to prioritize competitive pay and supports for teachers and staff.
citizenportal.ai
January 16, 2026 at 11:05 AM
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Charlottesville's district staff are pushing for a game-changing math curriculum that aims to balance innovation with equity, but board members have pressing questions about screen time and student impact.

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#VA #DigitalLearning #VirginiaEducation #CurriculumAdoption
Charlottesville staff recommend Mathspace for secondary, Bridges and STEMScopes for elementary; board asked about equity, screen time and AI tutor
District staff recommended adopting Mathspace Virginia for secondary math and a dual elementary model (Bridges K–3; STEMScopes 4–5) with a five-year estimated cost of about $489,340; board members pressed staff on equity evidence, screen-time limits and the optional AI tutor.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 4:47 AM
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The Virginia Department of Education is undergoing a major reorganization to enhance student outcomes and streamline operations across four key branches.

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#VA #VirginiaEducation #EarlyLearning #GrantsAdministration #CitizenPortal
VDOE Outlines Reorganization to Center Operations Around Student Outcomes
Superintendent Gullickson and deputies described a four‑branch reorganization at the Virginia Department of Education focused on academics & innovation, operations, early learning & specialized populations, and external partnerships, including a new centralized grants administration and an accreditation unit.
citizenportal.ai
January 14, 2026 at 1:11 AM
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Virginia educators are raising alarms that proposed ESSA amendments could lead to high-stakes testing in history and social studies, jeopardizing innovative local assessments.

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#VA #EducationReform #VirginiaEducation #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability
Teachers, Associations Urge Board to Slow ESSA Amendment That Could Affect History and Social‑Studies Assessment
Educators and social‑studies leaders urged the Virginia Board of Education to pause or narrow an ESSA amendment that, they say, risks reintroducing high‑stakes SOL testing for history/social studies. Speakers recommended using locally awarded verified credit (LAVC) models and building 'guardrails.'
citizenportal.ai
January 13, 2026 at 7:35 PM
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The Virginia Board of Education is considering new Praxis assessments for school librarian, theater, and agriculture endorsements, but concerns about safety and hands-on skills are raising questions about their effectiveness.

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#VA #VirginiaEducation #TeacherShortages
Virginia board reviews ETS proposal to permit Praxis exams for select endorsements; members press safety and performance concerns
The Virginia Board of Education heard ETS present Praxis-based assessments as options for school librarian, theater and agriculture endorsements; members asked ETS to map exams to Virginia standards and raised repeated concerns that written tests alone may not capture required hands-on, safety-critical skills.
citizenportal.ai
January 13, 2026 at 7:03 PM
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Norfolk schools are embarking on a groundbreaking 10-year consolidation and equity transition plan that promises to reshape education for the community.

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#VA #CommunityEngagement #FacilityReadiness #VirginiaEducation #EquityTransition #CitizenPortal
Board reviews 10‑year consolidation and equity transition plan; staff emphasize phased approach and community engagement
Norfolk staff presented a multi‑phase 2025–2034 consolidation plan focused on equitable access, facility readiness and workforce stability; Phase 1 (2025–26) includes initial student shifts, staffing timelines and redistricting tools with targeted community engagement.
citizenportal.ai
December 29, 2025 at 9:33 PM
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York County's latest screening reveals promising improvements in reading risk levels for K-2 students, thanks to new strategies and dedicated support for struggling learners.

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#VA #LiteracyImprovement #DataDrivenInstruction #VirginiaEducation #StudentSupport #CitizenPortal
York County presents VALS fall screening: improvement in K-2 risk bands, new diagnostic for grades 4-8
Division staff reported fall VALS screening showed increases in low-risk students and declines in high-risk students across K-2; the expanded K-8 VALS program includes diagnostic assessments for selected grades 4-8 students and state-mandated student reading plans for high-risk learners.
citizenportal.ai
December 25, 2025 at 7:39 PM
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Big changes are coming to York County schools with a $116.8 million six-year plan that includes exciting upgrades like a new Bethel Manor gym and cutting-edge renovations at Tab High!

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#VA #VirginiaEducation #SchoolSafety #FederalFunding #CitizenPortal #CapitalImprovements
York County outlines major capital projects and a six-year CIP; Bethel Manor gets $3.2M federal seed
The superintendent's proposed six-year Capital Improvements Program for 2027-2032 includes a Bethel Manor addition funded in part by $3.2M in federal money, Tab High renovations with a push for cost-saving design and geothermal systems, Derry Elementary parking expansion, systemwide safety upgrades and an operations consolidation.
citizenportal.ai
December 25, 2025 at 7:37 PM
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Superintendent Dr. Gurley reveals a bold FY27 budget plan focused on improving compensation, student support, and addressing persistent achievement gaps.

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#VA #AchievementGaps #EarlyChildhood #VirginiaEducation #StudentSupport #CitizenPortal
Superintendent outlines FY27 priorities as division charts modest gains and persistent achievement gaps
Superintendent Dr. Gurley presented a needs‑based FY27 framework prioritizing compensation, student supports, facilities maintenance and early childhood; staff reported a $91.9M salaries-and-benefits baseline and identified a projected $4.7M compensation increase tied to collective bargaining. Presenters stressed persistent achievement gaps and new state accountability changes.
citizenportal.ai
December 23, 2025 at 3:25 PM
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Caroline County is launching an exciting new literacy initiative, "Caroline Reads," to boost book ownership and family engagement across the community!

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#VA #CommunityEngagement #VirginiaEducation #LiteracyInitiative #CitizenPortal #EquitableAccess
Caroline County launches countywide "Caroline Reads" literacy campaign with grant support
Caroline County Public Schools unveiled 'Caroline Reads,' a yearlong 2026 literacy campaign funded in part by All In Virginia Literacy Act grant money, featuring book-cruiser stops, adult book clubs, a Main Street kickoff, summer programs and student publishing projects to expand access and community engagement.
citizenportal.ai
December 23, 2025 at 10:04 AM