Feb 19
Today we have a post from one of the VASSP Board members, Dr. Mark Makovec, Principal, Northside Middle School, Norfolk Division. As you are aware, VASSP is one of the premier principal organizations in the country because of support from strong members like yourself. We are fortunate to have Bet Neale, who is a full-time staff …
Feb 10
The General Assembly has been extremely busy this session. With the Governor’s focus on education during this upcoming year, the representatives in the house and the senate have been quick to take up that calling. HERE is a link to VASSP’s blog on happenings at General Assembly, Capital Issues. In it, our full time lobbyist, Bet Neal, goes …
Jan 26
The Virginia general Assembly is back in action, and it did not take long for a bill to get onto the VASSP radar. This particular bill is an amendment to Code of Virginia statutes §§ 22.1-277, 22.1-277.04, and 22.1-277.05, which you can access by clicking on the hyperlinks. Specifically, the amendment reads: Students may …
Aug 23
Well, almost. While some divisions have already returned to school, the majority of divisions will welcome back teachers Monday, August 31st, with students returning on Tuesday, September 8. With the new school year right around the corner, what have you decided to do to be a better school leader? As we put the finishing touches …
Jan 29
In what has become an annual contest for the past six years between Delegate Rob Bell and the Virginia legislature/Virginia High School League and high school administrators is on the docket again this session. HB63, Public School Interscholastic Programs; participation by students receiving home instruction is making another appearance in the Virginia General Assembly. As …
Jan 10
Our legislators are gathering in Richmond beginning this week to ponder, participate and pass legislation for the Commonwealth. While education issues are not their total focus by any means, for building principals education policy and the associated guidelines are significant to school operation and instruction. A quick review of the proposed legislation, both for the House …
May 28
The VDOE through Superintendent’s Memo #136-13, Final Legislative Report on the 2013 General Assembly, has released a list of legislation that will go into effect July 1, 2013. Several of the pieces of the legislation that will affect middle/high schools are listed below. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintendents_memos/2013/136-13.shtml HB 1858 Requires the Board of Education to develop, by July 1, …
Mar 04
True to his word, the Governor pushed through most of his ambitious education agenda during the 2013 General Assembly Session, albeit on some very close votes and without the support of any of the major education associations for his A-F legislation or that which would provide for takeover of local schools denied accreditation. Visiting legislators …
Feb 25
The following list includes K-12 budget initiatives. Note: Teacher salary funded for instruction *(includes principals and AP’s) and support, for 11 months. Other K-12 Initiatives in FY 2014 §School Division Consolidation Issues. •Changes the consolidation agreement policy by requiring DOE to use a blended local composite index (LCI) instead of the lower LCI of …
Feb 04
If you have been following the progress of legislation in the General Assembly, you cannot help but wonder how some of our elected officials developed the notion that public school officials need their assistance to solve our education issues. This notion is now manifested in two bills promoted by Governor McDonnell that are currently being acted upon very soon. The A …