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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 […]
Va. attorney general opposes Dulles Greenway toll increase in Northern Virginia
The Office of the Virginia Attorney General is opposing a private toll road owner’s request for a rate increase. In July, Toll Road Investors Partnership II, the owner and operator of the 14-mile Dulles Greenway that runs between Leesburg and Washington Dulles International Airport, filed a request with the State Corporation Commission to increase tolls […]
Enrollment is growing at Virginia HBCUs. But they face historic underfunding.
As enrollment drops at many Virginia higher education institutions, the state’s two public historically Black colleges and universities offer a bright spot, with steady student increases. However, a historical lack of funding for HBCUs and financial resources for their students is causing concern among policymakers and graduates. “The idea is not to reduce funding and […]
As Va. officials review SMART SCALE, some regional planners worry about shifting priorities
Planning officials in the Shenandoah Valley and central Virginia fear proposals to change Virginia’s transportation funding system could significantly reduce state funding for smaller transportation projects for cyclists and pedestrians. The Commonwealth Transportation Board has been reviewing the state’s transportation funding process, SMART SCALE, which has been in place for the past seven years. Some […]
Virginia Dept. of Ed eyes Zearn, Ignite Reading for statewide high-impact tutoring contract
Virginia’s Department of Education has selected two companies to provide statewide “high-impact” tutoring services for math and reading in an attempt to improve low test results among students in public schools. Records on the state’s public procurement website show the department intends to award contracts to the nonprofit math platform Zearn and tutoring company Ignite […]
UVA, Virginia Tech top salary lists for Virginia college and university executives
Surpassing $1 million, University of Virginia Executive Vice President of Health Affairs Craig Kent has the highest reported salary among executive officers in Virginia higher education, at $1,097,300. Since 2019, colleges and universities in the commonwealth have been required by law to report the salary of any executive officer whose compensation exceeds a limit laid […]
Franconia-Springfield Bypass gets $100 million to improve congestion on NoVa rail corridor
Virginia will receive $100 million in federal funding to help alleviate rail congestion and delays by constructing a passenger rail bridge in a busy train corridor in Northern Virginia. The funding will go to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority to design and build the Franconia-Springfield Bypass, an elevated rail bridge south of the Franconia-Springfield station […]
Virginia officials say school mental health pilot ‘successfully launched’ new services
Virginia’s behavioral health agency is recommending policymakers continue developing a plan for mental health care for youth after a pilot program ended last spring. Under the school-based mental health pilot program, six Virginia school divisions — Bristol, Hanover, Hopewell, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg and Richmond city — increased mental health services for students using a combined $2.5 […]
Va. Department of Education begins developing new accountability system
Following criticism by Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration, Virginia’s Department of Education will begin to develop a new system for tracking public schools’ and students’ performance. A June report from Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera and Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons to the General Assembly noted that most states have both an accreditation system, […]
Report: State test, ‘unclear’ requirements, and costs may be barriers in teacher pipeline
As Virginia school divisions continue to face teacher shortages, a state oversight agency found a state-required licensure test, potentially “unclear” licensure requirements and teacher preparation costs may be significant barriers for applicants. According to a Sept. 12 report from Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, which conducts analysis and provides oversight of state agencies […]
Despite post-pandemic efforts, Virginia student test scores remain mostly flat
Virginia students’ 2022-23 pass rates on the state’s Standards of Learning tests were relatively unchanged compared to the past school year’s rates and remain below pre-pandemic levels, data released by the Department of Education Thursday show. The results show “significant and persistent learning loss in reading and math for Virginia students in grades 3-8,” the […]
Virginia sales tax holiday on track to return Oct. 20-22
Virginia’s sales and use tax holiday for school supplies, clothing and energy-efficient goods is on track to be reinstated Oct. 20 through Oct. 22 after the General Assembly approved amendments to the state’s two-year budget during a special session Wednesday. What’s in Virginia’s long-delayed 2023 budget deal The amended budget will now go for review […]