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Superintendent's Message
Help Shape What’s Next for Virginia Learners
Your perspective matters. To improve experiences and outcomes for all learners, I am thrilled to announce the reestablishment of the Virginia Literacy Act Workgroup, and the continuation of the Innovative Assessment Workgroup and Mathematics Task Force. We are now seeking new members to lend their time and expertise to these important efforts.
These three groups offer unique opportunities to help shape our work with students. In the words of one person in the Innovative Assessment Workgroup, being a member “isn’t just a role – it's an opportunity to shape how our students are seen, supported, and inspired across the Commonwealth.”
For more details about how to apply, please see Instruction Implementation, Support & Evaluation below. We are committed to ensuring these groups reflect a broad range of voices and encourage all individuals who meet the criteria to apply.
I’m grateful for the significant progress made so far by these groups and welcome all current members to continue. With a combination of current and new perspectives, I know great insights will come from these efforts as we move forward.
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Highlights
News from Across the Commonwealth
Jacob Villasenor, a graduate of Poquoson High School, recently visited the school's Architectural Drawing class to share his experiences in the field of architecture. Currently, a fourth-year architecture student at Virginia Tech, Jacob is very passionate about his field. During his visit, he spoke enthusiastically about Virginia Tech and his various building projects, inspiring students in Poquoson City Public Schools to learn more about the world of architecture.
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Congratulations to Derek Cantrell, Principal of Alleghany High School in Alleghany Highlands Public Schools for being named the 2026 Outstanding High School Principal of Virginia! Through his “Better Together” leadership, Mr. Cantrell has helped build a school culture where students feel safe, supported, and inspired to succeed. We thank him for creating this environment where learners can thrive. |
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3E Readiness & Pathways
Reminder: School Divisions’ Process for Obtaining 2026 Diploma Seals
Article: 2026-06-085 Audience: Superintendents, Directors of High School, High School Principals, High School Counseling Coordinators, HS Registrars Contact: Theresita Martinez, Office Manager, Theresita.Martinez@doe.virginia.gov
School divisions are reminded to complete the process for ordering diploma seals for the 2026 graduating class.
In accordance with 8VAC20-132-50, students who meet requirements for graduation and demonstrate academic excellence and outstanding achievement may be eligible for one or more diploma seals. For a list of available diploma seals and criteria for awarding each, please see the Department’s Diploma Seals webpage. Graduation requirements are available on the Graduation Requirement Resources webpage.
School divisions can submit diploma seal orders for this year’s graduating class through the 2026 Diploma Seal Order Form by March 27, 2026. Only one order per division will be accepted.
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Diploma seals do not change in appearance year-to-year. Use any remaining seals from previous years before ordering new ones.
- The Seal of Advanced Mathematics and Technology has been replaced by the STEM seal.
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Report the number of seals awarded in the Student Record Collection, including STEM, Science, and Environment seals, as this data informs future production.
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School Finance
ALL In Funds Must be Fully Spent by June 30, 2026
Article: 2026-06-081 Audience: Superintendents, School Division Finance Directors, School Division Finance Staff Contact: Staci Longest, Deputy Superintendent of Budget and Finance, staci.longest@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education would like to remind school divisions that the All In funds distributed in Fiscal Year 2024 must be fully spent by the end of Fiscal Year 2026 (June 30, 2026). The approved division spending plans can be found on the Virginia Department of Education website. Please review your division’s spending plan and expenditures to ensure that this requirement has been met.
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Instruction Implementation, Support & Evaluation
Virginia Literacy Act Advisory Workgroup Reconvenes Under Executive Order 4
Article: 2026-06-089 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers, Non-teaching staff Contact: Jill Nogueras, Associate Director of K-12 English & Literacy, jill.nogueras@doe.virginia.gov or vla@doe.virginia.gov
Executive Order 4 directs the Superintendent of Public Instruction to convene a state advisory workgroup to strengthen implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act. The workgroup shall:
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Recommend improvements to the student reading plan process and implementation, especially in the middle grades;
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Provide input to the Department of Education as they update student reading plan guidance and templates to align specific Virginia Language & Literacy Screening System skill deficits with evidence-based interventions;
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Advise the Department of Education on ways to continue to strengthen VAConnects to ensure that the technology meets the needs of the field and that data are being used to improve student outcomes; and
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Help the Department of Education elevate the importance of early literacy in partnership with associations, divisions, parents, and others.
The groups outlined to participate in the advisory workgroup in Executive Order 4 are noted below.
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Local school divisions
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Special education experts
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English language learner experts
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Higher education
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Education associations
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K-8 teachers
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Literacy researchers
The Virginia Literacy Act Advisory Work Group is anticipated to be a short-term working group, with the establishment of the work group taking place in March 2026, and the conclusion of the work group taking place on or before December 31, 2027. The first meeting will take place Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., with the expectation that there will be quarterly meetings going forward. All meetings will take place in Richmond or hosted virtually.
Educators, administrators, system leaders, advocates, associations and community members are invited to submit applications for these positions. Applicants who speak a language other than English are encouraged to apply.
All applications must be received by March 2, 2026.
Seeking Additional Innovative Assessment Workgroup Members
Article: 2026-06-088 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Non-teaching staff Contact: Mark Jennings, Assistant Superintendent of Assessment and Accountability, student_assessment@doe.virginia.gov
In response to Executive Order 4, the Virginia Department of Education is opening up the legislatively-required Innovative Assessment Workgroup for additional members. This Workgroup serves as an advisory board to the Department and helps inform the development of a new, innovative statewide assessment system.
The Department is appreciative of the 17 current members and is looking to expand membership.
Workgroup participants should have expertise in one or more of the following areas: assessment design and administration, using assessment outcomes to improve instruction, implementation and change management, testing accommodations, teaching and assessing a variety of student groups (multilingual learners, students with disabilities, advanced learners, etc.), or supporting students to improve academic outcomes.
The Innovative Assessment Workgroup will have monthly meetings beginning in March 2026. A full list of dates is shared in the application. All meetings will take place in Richmond or will be hosted virtually.
Educators, administrators, advocates, professional associations, parents, and community members are invited to submit applications. Applicants who speak a language other than English are encouraged to apply.
All applications must be received by March 2, 2026.
Virginia Mathematics Task Force Application Open
Article: 2026-06-087 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Non-teaching staff, Higher Education, Parents, Business, School Board members Contact: Victoria Bohidar, Mathematics Coordinator, Victoria.bohidar@doe.virginia.gov or vdoe.mathematics@doe.virginia.gov
Chapter 725 of the Code of Virginia requires the Viriginia Department of Education (the Department) to establish and oversee a Mathematics Advisory Task Force. The Task Force is charged with providing recommendations to improve mathematics education in elementary, middle, and high school. The recent signing of Executive Order Four by the Governor reinforces the Commonwealth's focus on academic excellence and high-quality public education for all students. This directive closely aligns with the purpose of this Task Force and emphasizes the importance of ensuring our efforts are fully aligned with statewide priorities and expectations.
There are currently 13 members on the Task Force. The Department is looking to expand its membership to incorporate a broader range of stakeholder perspectives and expertise in alignment with requirements in Executive Order 4 and Chapter 725.
The stakeholder representatives for the Mathematics Advisory Task Force indicated in Chapter 725 are noted below.
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K-12 Mathematics teachers
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Mathematics coaches and instructional leaders
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School administrators
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Higher education
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Parents
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Business leaders
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Division Superintendents
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Division School Board members
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Other stakeholders
The Mathematics Advisory Task Force will meet monthly, beginning in April after selection of additional members in March 2026. All meetings will take place in Richmond or be hosted virtually.
Educators, administrators, system leaders, advocates, associations, and community members are invited to submit applications for these positions. Applicants who speak a language other than English are encouraged to apply.
All applications must be received by Monday, March 2, 2026.
Review of the 2020 Digital Learning Integration Standards of Learning: Public Comment and Committee Application
Article: 2026-06-083 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Educators, Parents, Students Contact: Morri Pace, Digital Learning Coordinator, morri.pace@doe.virginia.gov
An important part of the review process is gathering public feedback. We invite classroom teachers, students, parents, administrators, curriculum supervisors, Instructional Technology Resource Teachers (ITRTs), librarians, and other stakeholders to share their input using the 2020 DLI SOL Public Comment form, will remain open until March 30, 2026.
The form also includes application questions for those interested in serving on the review committee. Selected steering committee members will be contacted in March and review committee members will be contacted in May.
Your feedback helps ensure we collect a comprehensive set of perspectives from all stakeholders.
Nominations for the 2026 Standards of Learning Item Review Committees
Article: 2026-06-082 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Instructional Supervisors for Mathematics, History and Social Science, Reading, and Science Contact: Office of Student Assessment, student_assessment@doe.virginia.gov
The Office of Student Assessment is seeking nominations for the 2026 Standards of Learning (SOL) Item Review Committees. Approximately 10-15 members are needed for each of the committees, and school divisions may nominate one or more representatives for each committee. The Committees will be convened for mathematics, reading, science, and history & social science in July 2026 in Richmond, Virginia. For a full list of committees and specific dates, please refer to the 2026 SOL Item Review Committee Information for Applicants and the Assessment Committees web page.
Committee members will be chosen based on grade-level experience and content area expertise; in-depth knowledge of the SOL; instructional/supervisory experience with students of varied learning styles, abilities, and aptitudes, including students with disabilities and English learners; and balanced regional representation.
All educators who wish to serve on these committees, including those who have previously served, must apply online using the link found on the Assessment Committees web page. An application requires the completion of the three-step process identified on the 2026 SOL Item Review Committee Information for Applicants document by Friday, April 3, 2026, for consideration by the Virginia Department of Education.
History and Social Science Instructional Guide Updates
Article: 2026-06-080 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers Contact: Christonya Brown, History and Social Science Coordinator, vdoe.hss@doe.virginia.gov
The history and social science program is excited to announce the updated History and Social Science Instructional Guides with embedded resources from external partners are now available online. These resources will be linked within the Additional Resources component of each Instructional Guide through the #GoOpenVA platform.
Professional learning in support of these new resources will be made available to educators and leaders throughout the year. The History and Social Science team will host virtual office hours to assist school divisions with history and social science instruction, resources, pedagogy, or other areas of note within history and social science education.
Office hours will occur bi-monthly starting in February, then once a month starting May 2026. Please use this link to attend the sessions. Dates and times for the upcoming office hours are below.
Dates and Times for Office Hours:
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Division History and Social Science Leaders and School Leaders:
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Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 11 a.m.-Noon
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Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 11 a.m.-Noon
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Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 11 a.m.-Noon
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Classroom Teachers:
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Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 3-4 p.m.
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Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 3-4 p.m.
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Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 3-4 p.m.
For instructional support and information, please contact the History and Social Science Program at vdoe.hss@doe.virginia.gov.
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School Nutrition
School and Community Nutrition Programs 2024-2025 Financial Report Updates to Average Monthly Expense and Excess Balance Calculations — Webinar on March 5 and Corrective Action Plans due March 27
Article: 2026-06-084 Audience: School Food Authorities, Finance Directors Contact: Sara Bennett, Director, Virginia Department of Education, Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs, Sara.Bennett@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education, Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs review public school divisions, RCCIs, and private schools (SFAs) that operate school meal programs to ensure they limit their net cash resources in the nonprofit school food service account to no more than three months’ average expenditures (7 CFR 210.14(b)).
SFAs with an Excess Balance
The VDOE-SCNP determined it will modify the calculation method effective with the SY24-25 annual financial report. The new method reduces the number of months operating balance available, which benefits SFAs when determining excess balance.
Financial Report Update and Excess Balance Webinar
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regulations regarding the three-month operating balance,
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the method for determining the number of months operating balance and excess balance including the supporting calculations,
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requirements for excess balance plans,
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the timelines for submission, and
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best practices for excess balance corrective action plans.
Periodic Review Updates to Virginia Administrative Code for the School Breakfast Program
Article: 2026-06-079 Audience: Superintendents, School Food Authorities Contact: Sara Bennett, Director, Virginia Department of Education, Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs, sara.bennett@doe.virginia.gov
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the procedures used to implement SBP in the "Agreement to Participate" and the "Policy Statement for Free and Reduced Price Meals,"
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a reporting system for the compilation and analysis of information concerning the number and socioeconomic characteristics of participating school-age children,
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the investigation of complaints and an appeals process,
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requirement that students must be provided a minimum of 10 minutes to eat breakfast after the meal is served, and
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protected mealtime from 6 a.m. until after the close of the last breakfast service period.
There are no new state regulations for SBP. These recent changes are part of a routine periodic review conducted to ensure that existing regulations remain current, accurate, and align with federal requirements. These updates refine existing language for clarity and accuracy.
Public school divisions should ensure that state regulatory citations in division policies and procedures are updated. Please review SCNP (Dir.) Memo #2025-2026-27 for more information.
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Behavioral Health & Student Safety
Webinar for School Counselors: Southern Regional Board Crisis Recovery Network – March 12, 2026
Article: 2026-06-086 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, School Counselors Contact: Sarah Bazemore, Behavioral Health and Instructional Supports Coordinator, Sarah.Bazemore@doe.virginia.gov
The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) is launching the SREB Crisis Recovery Network, a new initiative designed to strengthen school crisis recovery efforts following catastrophic events. This network aims to prepare 40 Virginia school counselors to provide effective crisis response and extended recovery support within their schools, districts, higher education institutions, and, when needed, across SREB states. All training and deployment costs are fully covered by SREB.
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Recognitions
National Celebration of Career and Technical Education in February
Article: 2026-06-078 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Counselors Contact: William Hatch, Associate Director, Program Administration and Workforce Development, Office of Career and Technical Education at CTE@doe.virginia.gov
February is recognized nationwide as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of CTE programs. This observance provides Virginia schools with an opportunity to showcase success stories and highlight the critical role CTE plays in preparing a highly skilled workforce for Virginia’s economy.
We encourage all school divisions to use CTE Month to raise awareness of the quality programs offered across the Commonwealth. Consider hosting events and activities that allow CTE students to share their projects, portfolios, and skills with families, community members, and business and industry partners. These engagements help demonstrate the value of CTE and strengthen connections between education and the workforce.
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