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 …
Feb 12
In an announcement released from the Governor McCauliffe’s office on February 11, the governor and Secretary of Education Anne Holton state their support of House Bill 930. This bill, submitted by Delegates Tag Greason and Rob Kupricka, has been passed by the House of Delegates and now moves to the Senate. This piece of legislation is intended to …
Feb 05
In what could be the stepping stones to change significant education legislation in the commonwealth, the Virginia Senate has take a stand against two of McDonnell’s “hallmark education actions.” Specifically, two of the previous governor’s legislation that have drawn much criticism from educators and now legislators are headed for futher action in the House of Delegates. On February 5th, the …
Jul 08
As you prepare for the 2013-2014 school year, you may wish to review a final update of the revisions to the SOQ which affect building administrators and central office staff, including superintendents. Among the standards listed below are the requirements for safety training, staffing guidelines(very much needed), algebra readiness intervention for grades six through nine …
Jun 10
During the 2013 General Assembly, two pieces of legislation, HB 2028 and SB 986 were passed that define special licensure requirements for all education personnel. This requirement will be included for initial licensure as well as licensure renewal. Each professional” shall provide evidence of completition of certification or training in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, …
May 19
During the 2013 Virginia General Assembly Session, a bill in the Senate (SB 1223 Public Schools: evaluation policies and grievance procedures) sponsored by Senator Norment passed and will bring changes to the process by which teachers and certain administrators (assistant principals and principals) are evaluated. While formal and informal teacher evaluations will continue to be utilized, evaluations …
Apr 04
Governor Bob McDonnell’s office released an information package on April 3, 2013 regarding his legislative and budget support and results gained during the reconvened General Assembly session. The House of Delegates and the Senate approved 88 percent of the amended bills sent to the including the “sweeping” educational reforms. Listed below is a portion of …
Aug 21
September is near and by September 4th, all school divisions in Virginia will be up and running for the 2012-2013 school year as expected. The General Assembly members will begin the process for developing bills for the upcoming session as expected. Also as expected, the school divisions located East of I-95 will once again work …
May 19
The Governor’s amendment pen was busy following last month’s approval of a compromise budget by the General Assembly. Eighty-eight is a BIG number in the state budget world – representing the number of budget amendments Governor McDonnell sent to the Floor on Monday for the General Assembly to consider. This on the heels of contentious …
May 10
BRISTOL – Flanked by leaders from the General Assembly, students, teachers and staff from Virginia High School in Bristol, Governor Bob McDonnell ceremonially signed into law four pieces of legislation today aimed at making students graduating from college or high school ready to enter the workforce as productive members of society. The laws support the …