State Articles of Interest
Future of SROs in Loudoun County elementary schools remain open-ended, for now
School board votes to strip transportation | Articles | fairfaxtimes.com
Bill to promote environmental literacy passes Virginia Senate | WRIC ABC 8News
Va. lawmakers propose guardrails for artificial intelligence use in education • Virginia Mercury
Optimism is fading that legislators will give Virginia teachers hefty raises, advocates say
National Articles of Interest
States weigh limits, outright bans on ed tech in schools | K-12 Dive
Supreme Court deals blow to school policies protecting student LGBTQ+ identities | K-12 Dive
Special education advocates warn against future program transfers | K-12 Dive
DOE Updates
Announcing Commonwealth Listening Tour
Article: 2026-08-108
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers, Non-teaching staff, General Public
The Virginia Department of Education and the Secretary of Education are hosting a series of listening sessions across the Commonwealth to hear from Virginians about how we can highlight successes and work together to strengthen public education by supporting educators and students.
The Commonwealth Listening Tour invites division leaders, educators, parents, students, and community members to share their current education experiences and contribute to conversations about how state leaders should approach ensuring every child receives a high-quality education and the supports necessary for success. Listening Session discussion topics will include:
- Identifying what’s working well and where challenges remain;?
- Shaping ongoing supports in literacy and math instruction;?
- Understanding how well students are prepared for college or careers after high school;
- Considering how the state evaluates and supports schools through accountability and accreditation processes; and
- Discussing effective strategies to recruit and retain world class teachers, school leaders, and school support staff.
Attendees are encouraged to register in advance, as audience space is limited. Others may prefer to provide feedback to the VDOE via an online survey.
Ed. Department Updates
Department Initiates Title IX Investigation into Wisconsin School DistrictThe Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) initiated an investigation into the New Richmond School District in New Richmond, Wisconsin, based on reports that the district is allowing biological men to use female restrooms. OCR will determine whether the district violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 by allowing students to access intimate facilities based on “gender identity,” not biological sex.
