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The FAFSA form is changing. Education groups want a release date.
Virginia students and schools are still waiting for the federal government to announce the release date for the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, a form that students must fill out to determine whether they can get federal financial aid for post-high school education. The U.S. Department of Education announced on March […]
Youngkin issues order aimed at requiring schools to notify parents of drug overdoses
In the wake of multiple opioid overdoses in a single school division, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order Wednesday evening directing the Department of Education to issue guidance ensuring school divisions notify parents of school-connected overdoses within 24 hours. The order also directs the state to issue guidelines on how school divisions should […]
Va. transportation officials to consider SMART SCALE cap for smaller urban and suburban areas
After criticism over parts of a proposal to overhaul the state’s transportation funding system, Virginia officials are considering creating a middle-tier application cap for transportation projects in more suburban or smaller urban areas, including several cities in Hampton Roads, Roanoke and Alexandria. The Commonwealth Transportation Board will take up the recommendation, among other suggestions that […]
Virginia Tech, partners design blueprint to improve self-driving vehicles with $7.5 million grant
Researchers at Virginia Tech’s Transportation Institute will soon hand the keys to lawmakers and developers, after creating a blueprint for how self-driving vehicles can safely interact with other cars on state roadways. In 2019, Virginia Tech was awarded a $7.5 million grant from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration to gather data on improving autonomous driving […]
Virginia to consider Metro’s funding request to address projected $750 million shortfall
As Metro considers ways to address a looming $750 million shortfall and stave off changes to its operations, officials are requesting jurisdictions, including Virginia, review their options to help address the funding deficit that threatens thousands of jobs and various services. Metro hopes policymakers in the commonwealth will consider adjusting the state law that sets […]
Nearly two-thirds of Virginia Head Start centers beyond walking distance for toddlers
Almost 100 Head Start centers in Virginia that foster educational and social development for children under the age of 5 are located within one mile of a transit stop, but beyond walking distance for a toddler. Virginia joins other states across the country with the issue. Nationally, only 19% of centers are within a toddler’s […]
Va. governor rejects claim of underfunding Virginia State University
Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration denies that the commonwealth has underfunded the historically Black Virginia State University compared to the state’s other land-grant institution, Virginia Tech, after federal officials estimated VSU is owed over $277 million in state funding from 1987 to 2020. To calculate that figure, the U.S. Departments of Education and Agriculture used a […]
Senate District 31 race: Republican Juan Pablo Segura vs. Democrat Russet Perry
In Senate District 31, composed of parts of Loudoun and Fauquier counties, Republican Juan Pablo Segura is attacking Democrat Russet Perry as soft on crime while emphasizing parental rights. Meanwhile, Perry is focusing on abortion, portraying Segura as a threat to reproductive rights. Both candidates in the closely contested race are newcomers to state politics. […]
Va. education workgroup recommends revisions to state educational testing
A state-led work group is recommending Virginia revise its Standards of Learning tests as part of broader plans to restructure the state’s system of assessing students and schools. The work group, which included Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera and Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons, was created by legislation known as House Bill 585, which […]
Virginia universities increasingly eyeing guaranteed admissions
As Virginia Commonwealth University rolls out a program that grants admission to any high school senior with a certain GPA, it’s the latest school to face challenges ensuring its facilities and infrastructure can keep up with the influx of students. VCU, along with George Mason University and at least four other Virginia universities, have begun […]
House District 21 race: Republican Stirrup vs. Democrat Thomas
In the closely watched House District 21 race in Northern Virginia, Republican John Stirrup is campaigning on improving public safety, while Democrat Josh Thomas is hoping his opponent’s views on abortion will win him the seat. The already tight race came under the spotlight this August when the Washington Post released a recording of Stirrup, […]
State’s financial commitments to Hampton-Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion could increase with delays
Virginia could amend its agreement with the contractor for the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion to increase the state’s financial commitments after being told the project could be delayed by nearly two years. According to the original timeline, the $3.9 billion project is supposed to be finished by November 2025. But contractor Hampton Roads Connector Partners […]