High School
- Loudoun County School Board Considers Additions to Athletic Offerings
Loudoun County School Board Member Ross Svenson spoke about plans for new athletic opportunities during a public session. The topics included volleyball as a Virginia High School League sport and crew as a legacy activity. These discussions occurred in the context of school board proceedings for Loudoun County Public Schools. The county board oversees educational […]
- Eight school-based health clinics close in Southwest Virginia as federal funding pressures mount
Federally Qualified Health Centers in Southwest Virginia have shut down eight school-based health clinics, prompting the Virginia Community Healthcare Association to urge U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, to intervene. The association, which represents FQHCs across the state, sent Griffith a letter Thursday about the closures. The outreach program had served as an extension of health […]
- Va. education department says failed proposal to delay cut scores stemmed from legislative mandates
The Virginia Department of Education says its unsuccessful and much-criticized pitch to push back the state’s new proficiency benchmarks for reading and math by two years was a result of legislative mandates, recommendations from the state’s official legislative watchdog and feedback from a statewide listening tour over a span of three months. Last month, staff […]
- Colgan High School Student Places Third in Virginia DECA Finance Competition
Dylan Tobian a student at Colgan High School earned third place in the Virginia state DECA finance competition. This result represents the highest placement achieved by any student from the school in this event. The competition tests participants on topics related to finance and business operations. Tobian advanced through regional rounds to reach the state […]
- Prince William County Advances FY2027 Budget with Historic $1.1 Billion School Transfer
The Prince William County government has officially outlined its Fiscal Year 2027 budget, featuring a historic $1.1 billion transfer to Prince William County Public Schools. This unprecedented funding allocation represents a 12.5 percent increase over the previous fiscal year, injecting an additional $123.5 million into the local education system. Local officials have emphasized that this […]
- Loudoun School Board Schedules Special Session on Transmission Line Request
The Loudoun County School Board has scheduled a special meeting for July 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Rock Ridge High School to discuss a request from the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. The request seeks authorization to use school property for alternative routes of Dominion Energy’s Golden to Mars transmission line project. The meeting […]
- Prince William County Father Describes Coach’s Influence on Son at School Board Meeting
A father spoke before the Prince William County School Board about the role of a coach in his son’s life. The presentation centered on changes observed after the son began participating in sports at Osborne Park High School. Details included the coach’s name as West and the staff’s involvement in the process. The speaker outlined […]
- Fairfax County Advances ‘Wait Until 8th’ Initiative to Address Smartphone Impacts on Youth
Research indicates that smartphone ownership at younger ages predicts poorer adult outcomes, including reduced self-worth, lower motivation, diminished resilience, and increased sadness, anxiety, and aggression—effects more pronounced in girls. A study of over 27,000 people supports delaying devices until high school. Separately, data from more than 100,000 young adults shows children with phones
- Judge weighs future of Stone Wall Jackson Highschool in Shenandoah County
Shenandoah County is awaiting a closely watched court decision over whether the names of Confederate figures should remain on several school buildings, a dispute that has reignited debate over history, race and educational equity in Virginia schools. Some residents view honoring Confederate generals, including Turner Ashby, Robert E. Lee, and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, as an […]
- Virginia schools push for local tax option as aging buildings strain rural divisions
Every time storms threaten the Tidewater region, Superintendent David Daniel worries the next round of severe weather could cripple Mathews County Public Schools’ aging environmental system, forcing classroom closures and creating safety risks for students. In one case, the storm did just that. Moisture overwhelmed the elementary school’s heating, ventilation and cooling system, causing water […]
- Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Requests School Board Review of Transmission Line Routes to Address Community and Health Priorities
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution on June 30, 2026, during a special joint meeting with the Planning Commission that asks the Loudoun County School Board to schedule an emergency meeting before July 20, 2026. The request asks the School Board to consider authorizing the use of Loudoun County Public Schools property […]
- Virginia proposes two-year delay in raising school standards
The Virginia Board of Education may delay the full implementation of the state’s plan to raise academic benchmarks for reading and math by two years, rather than gradually increasing them over a four-year period starting this year as scheduled. The department briefed board members on the proposed delay at their work session on Wednesday at […]
- Fairfax County Public Schools Set to Ban Cell Phones Bell to Bell Next Year
Fairfax County Public Schools has adopted a new policy that prohibits cell phone use by students in grades kindergarten through twelve during the entire school day. The restriction begins at the first bell in the morning and continues until the final bell in the afternoon. Exceptions are limited to a thirty-minute lunch period in specific […]
- Testimony Presented to Prince William County School Board on Coach Conduct Allegations
Prince William County, VA — During a recent Prince William County School Board meeting, parent Mr. McDade delivered public testimony regarding his son’s treatment by a high school basketball coach. McDade stated that the coach has engaged in ongoing retaliation against his son over a period of several months. He told the board that despite […]
- Fairfax County Spotlights Historical Women Leaders in Science and Social Change
Katherine Johnson, born in 1918 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, demonstrated exceptional mathematical ability from a young age. Her parents emphasized education, enabling her to complete high school by age 13 and attend West Virginia State College, where she exhausted the available mathematics curriculum. After teaching, Johnson joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics […]
- Richmond city and schools face scrutiny over 2 FOIA laws
One of the less noticed features of the Virginia Way is the long-running tendency of the commonwealth’s leaders to conduct their decision-making behind closed doors. While the Virginia Freedom of Information Act presumes all government business is by default public and requires officials to justify why exceptions should be made, too many Virginia leaders in […]
- Virginia House Bill 50 Proposes Study on Cricket as Sanctioned High School Sport
In the 2026 session of the Virginia House of Delegates, a bill was introduced that would encourage the Virginia High School League to conduct an evaluation of the feasibility of adding cricket as a sanctioned high school sport in Planning District 8. The legislation seeks to have the league assess whether it would be practical […]
- Special Education Issues at Stonebridge High School Prompt Community Discussion in Loudoun County
Special education students in Loudoun County have been described as facing an alarming state of affairs within the public school system. Parents from Stonebridge High School have brought attention to the treatment of these students and their dedicated teachers. The core message underscores that students and staff members are not expendable in educational planning. Families […]
- Testimony Raises Concerns Over Special Education at Stonebridge High School
A parent associated with Stonebridge High School provided public comments at a Loudoun County School Board meeting. The remarks centered on the status of special education within Loudoun County Public Schools. Attendees listened as details emerged about recent experiences shared by families. The parent stated that special education students are not expendable within the school […]
- Survey Data Highlights Concerns Over Fairfax County Schools’ Early Release Days and Absenteeism Trends
The discussion centered on Fairfax County School Board matters, with the board comprising Chair Sandy Anderson of Springfield District, Ricardy Anderson of Mason District, Melanie Meren of Hunter Mill District, Robyn Lady as Vice Chair from Dranesville District, Seema Dixit of Sully District, Tom Dannan, Marcia St. John-Cunning, Mateo Dunne, Karl Frisch, Kyle McDaniel, Ryan […]
- Debate Heats Up in Fairfax County Over Recommending Smartphone Delay for Children Until 8th Grade
Proponents argue that early smartphone introduction fosters addiction, comparable to other compulsive behaviors, impairing impulse control and daily functioning. Behavioral challenges manifest as increased irritability and reduced social skills, compounded by cyberbullying prevalent on social platforms. Sleep quality declines due to screen-emitted light interfering with circadian rhythms, resultin
- Abigail Spanberger signs bill forcing Virginia schools to add ‘Restorative Disciplinary practices’ before suspending students
Abigail Spanberger, the Virginia governor, signed into law a state bill that was passed by her Democratic colleagues. The bill prohibits public schools in Virginia from suspending or expelling a student before they have considered “restorative disciplinary practice” such as “peer mediation” and a “restorative circular.” Schools that do not use such practices are required […]
- Loudoun Supervisor Koran Saines Denies Data Center Financial Ties During April 7 Board Meeting, But VPAP Records Show $15,000 in Donations from Construction Firms Tied to Data Center Projects
LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. — In a pointed defense of his integrity amid ongoing public scrutiny of data center development in Loudoun County, Sterling District Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D) told fellow Board of Supervisors members and residents on April 7, 2026, that he has not accepted any campaign contributions from data center companies. Yet Virginia […]
- Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax kills wife, then himself, police say
Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax presides over the state Senate during the 2020 General Assembly session in Richmond; police say he fatally shot his wife early Thursday morning before taking his own life. (Photo by Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury) Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax fatally shot his wife, Cerina Fairfax, before taking his own […]
- Loudoun Education Foundation Bridges Meal Gap for LCPS Students During Snow Day Closures
LEF’s Fueled program supplies weekend meal bags, in-school food pantries, and snacks to 56 LCPS schools. By mid-school year, the program had distributed more than 30,000 weekend meal bags, helping students maintain focus on learning. The foundation coordinates with volunteers, including LCPS staff, high school students, and retired educators, to pack and distribute these resources […]
- 18-year old found guilty of groping Fairfax Co. High school students
This post was originally published on this site. A Fairfax County High School 18-year old student was found guilty of groping a number of female classmates. Israel Flores Ortiz, who was initially charged with 13 crimes was found guilty on nine counts of misdemeanor battery and assault, was acquitted on three other charges and one […]
- Loudoun County Democrat School Board Votes Down Expansion of School Resource Officers to Elementary Schools
In a 5-3-1 vote during a special meeting on March 5, 2026, the board declined to endorse the expansion. The full board includes Chair April Chandler (Algonkian District), Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg District), Amy Riccardi (Sterling District), Ross Svenson, Jonathan Pepper, and members representing Ashburn, Blue Ridge, Catoctin, Dulles, Lovettsville, and Sugarland districts. Shernoff, speaking emoti
- Washington County Sets April Special Election on School Sales Tax Amid Holston Merger Fears
Supervisors vote 5-2 for an April 6 referendum after a packed hearing; superintendent cites $200 million facilities needs while Damascus residents link the tax to Holston High consolidation fears.
- Loudoun residents take fight against high-voltage power lines for Data Center Alley to SCC
All year, the residents of the Loudoun Valley Estates neighborhoods in Ashburn have been railing against a proposed high-voltage power line that could run through their community to energize dozens of data centers on the other side of town.
- Virginia’s future higher education chapter should be collaborative and not competitive, says a university official
Virginia will face a workforce shortage in 2026 that cannot be resolved by doing business as usual. The region’s hospitals are facing some of the most high nursing vacancy rates. teacher shortages continue to strain classrooms, accelerating burnout and affecting school divisions from Hampton Roads to Southwest Virginia.
- Salem City Council to discuss a $2 million capital improvement budget for schools
Salem City Council on Monday will review a request by the Salem School Division to allocate almost $2 million of unallocated reserve capital funds to the general, grant, capital projects, and reserve funds.
- Roanoke city council to hear presentation about solar panels in schools
On Monday afternoon, Roanoke Public Schools and Secure Solar Futures will present a joint proposal to add solar panels to additional division buildings. Phazhon Nash and Terry McGuire are the sponsors of this presentation.
- Virginia community college enrollment down as career, technical education signups increase
The number of students registering for dual enrollment and career and technical education continues to grow in the commonwealth, but simultaneously, student enrollment at Virginia’s community colleges has declined by 7% over nearly a 10-year period, creating a financial strain on the system and negatively impacting smaller colleges, state researchers revealed Monday.
- Students’ privacy is violated by virtue signaling
The Loudoun County Public School Board has once again prioritized political posturing over student privacy. Under LCPS Policy 8040, students may use restrooms and locker rooms based on gender identity rather than biological sex.
- High school exit exams dwindle to about half a dozen states, including Virginia
But this fall, Norton and Scruggs advocated on opposite sides of a Massachusetts ballot referendum scrapping the requirement that high school kids pass a standardized state test to graduate.