Education
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Teacher pay increases, child care support legislation advance in legislature
Legislation to boost teacher pay, ban legacy admissions, and help families with their child care needs remains on track to potentially become law this year.
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Biden proposes new student debt relief plan for Virginia borrowers facing ‘hardship’
The new proposal will focus on providing debt relief to those with older loans or loans with large sums of interest; those with high-cost, unavoidable child care or health care expenses; borrowers who are highly likely to default; and others who face “financial hardship.”
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Virginia Dems push bills to raise teacher pay
A 2023 study from the Virginia Education Association (VEA) found that estimated average teacher pay in the commonwealth was just over $62,100 annually—more than $6,300 below the estimated national average for the job.
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Positivity prevails: BHS Wall of Love offers Rockingham County students uplifting messages
In Rockingham County, community members stood with messages of support for local students.
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Bills banning legacy admissions at VA’s public universities clear both chambers
Now, both bills must pass in opposite chambers before they are sent to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s desk for his consideration.
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Taking a stand: LGBTQ+ student challenges book ban in Rockingham County
Rockingham County schools recently banned 57 books, many with LGBTQ+ storylines. A local teen was one of the first to speak out about the decision.
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Legacy college admissions could soon be a thing of the past in Virginia
This week, the Virginia Senate gave final approval to a bill that would end the practice of “legacy admissions” at the state’s public universities. “Legacy admissions” is a shorthand term for the practice of giving preferential treatment to college applicants who are related to alumni or donors. “It’s about fairness. It’s about higher ed being…
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Virginia Democrats making major push on education priorities in new General Assembly
Democrats made it clear in the 2023 elections that public education would be a huge policy priority in the 2024 General Assembly. Barely more than a week into this year’s session, the Democratic majorities in the state House and Senate are making big moves. This week, the House Education Committee approved several Democratic proposals designed…
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Navigating the new FAFSA? Here’s what you need to know.
The new FAFSA form has been released. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines eligibility for federal financial aid.
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Governor’s proposed budget fails to address Virginia’s school funding issues
This week, Gov. Glenn Youngkin released his proposed budget for 2024-2025. This budget proposal is the first step in a months-long process that will formally commence when the General Assembly begins its legislative session on Jan. 10, 2024. The governor’s proposed biennial budget is an important starting point for budget negotiations with the state House…
