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Superintendent's Message
I’ve spent the last few weeks traveling to schools across the Commonwealth, and it’s been an incredible experience. So far, we’ve visited eleven schools in eleven different divisions, nine of which are federally identified for improvement.
We launched our Strong Schools Tour with a simple goal: get into schools, spend time with students and educators, and see firsthand what’s working, what’s challenging, and where we can do more.
There’s no substitute for being there. These visits are helping our team at VDOE sharpen our school improvement strategies, strengthen high-quality instructional material (HQIM) implementation, and better target our time and resources—especially as Virginia raises expectations for students through changes like higher Standards of Learning (SOL) cut scores.
And importantly, federally identified schools—including CSI schools—are not one-dimensional. They are places with challenges, yes, but also tremendous strengths, bright spots, and progress worth building on. Our SOL Bright Spots presentation to the Board of Education yesterday highlighted just how much growth some of these schools are achieving.
Thank you to every school that has opened its doors, welcomed us in, and shared its successes and challenges. We’re learning a lot and we’re taking that learning back with us.
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Highlights
News from Across the Commonwealth
Last week, sixth grader Major Metzger of Virginia Beach Middle School in Virginia Beach Public Schools was honored with the Carnegie Medal for his heroic actions that helped save his six-year-old friend on a ski lift.
Governor Abigail Spanberger and Secretary of Education Dr. Jeffery O. Smith joined the Virginia Beach Middle School community to celebrate Major’s remarkable bravery, and this distinguished recognition.
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Prince Edward County Public Schools hosted the Reading Eagle Literacy Bus at the Heart of Virginia Festival, where students, families, and community members stopped by to explore new books and share the joy of reading. The bus offered a fun and engaging opportunity to celebrate literacy and strengthen the community’s love for learning. |
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School Finance
Late Annual School Report Submissions in Fiscal Year 2028
Article: 2026-37-428
Audience: Superintendents, School Finance Staff
Contact: Ed Lanza, Director of Budget, edward.lanza@doe.virginia.gov
The Code of Virginia requires each school board to report on the preceding year’s work to VDOE on a timeline set by the Superintendent of Public Instruction. School divisions meet this requirement by certifying their Annual School Report (ASR), due each year around September 15. This deadline may be extended only with an approved extension of up to 15 days.
Item 125.C.36e of Chapter 1, 2026 Special Session I Acts of Assembly authorizes VDOE to withhold state payments from the Infrastructure & Operations Per Pupil Fund for divisions that do not certify the ASR by the Superintendent’s deadline. This policy takes effect in FY 2028, based on the FY 2027 ASR collection. VDOE reserves the right to withhold Infrastructure & Operations Per Pupil Fund payments to any school division with an open ASR collection window within three weeks of a scheduled recurring payment.
If a payment from the Infrastructure & Operations Per Pupil fund is withheld from a school division and the ASR is later certified, recurring payments will be restored, and the school division should expect to receive their full state appropriation by the end of the fiscal year.
Infrastructure & Operations Per Pupil Funds are appropriated by the General Assembly from Lottery Proceeds and are not available for distribution until January each year. Divisions with certified ASRs within three weeks of the first recurring payment will receive the Infrastructure & Operations Per Pupil Fund payment.
This guidance will be included in the ASR instructions beginning with the FY 2027 collection.
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Instruction Implementation,
Support & Evaluation
Dolly Parton Day
Article: 2026-37-427
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers
Contact: Alyssa Schwenk, Assistant Superintendent of Strategic Communications, Alyssa.Schwenk@doe.virginia.gov
Tomorrow, September 25 — 9/25 — Virginians will be honoring Dolly Parton’s legacy on the first Give Like Dolly Day. Inspired by her father’s journey Dolly was a huge proponent of early literacy throughout her life, eventually founding the Imagination Library, which provides books monthly to children from birth through age five.
Virginians are invited to visit the Imagination Library of Virginia’s website to learn more, and are especially encouraged to spend 15 minutes tomorrow reading with a young Virginian, and inspire them to read more, dream more, and be more.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and Advanced Studies Diploma Updates (HB 595/SB 63)
Article: 2026-37-426
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Non-teaching staff, IB Coordinators
Contact: Amanda Nevetral, Director of Advanced Learning, Amanda.Nevetral@doe.virginia.gov
In 2026, the General Assembly passed SB 63/HB 595, which updates the Standards of Quality and the Virginia Standards of Accreditation to provide additional flexibility for IB Diploma students to earn an Advanced Studies diploma. The updates to the Standards of Accreditation were approved by the Virginia Board of Education on August 27.
The updated Virginia Standards of Accreditation states,
K. Any student who completes the requirements to be eligible for the award of an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma shall be deemed to have satisfied all of the course and credit requirements for graduation with an advanced studies diploma without being required to complete any additional course or credit verification requirements, except (i) to the extent completion of a course or credit is required of all high school students pursuant to applicable law and (ii) that any such student, unless eligible for a waiver, may be required to complete (a) the training in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the use of automated external defibrillators or (b) the Virginia and U.S. history course and Virginia and U.S. government course.
To assist school divisions offering the IB Diploma Programme, VDOE has created a technical resource document, which is hosted on the Advanced Studies Diploma webpage.
Webinars on 2026 Released SOL Assessment Item Sets – September 28-October 1
Article: 2026-37-433
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Office of Student Assessment, student_assessment@doe.virginia.gov
Standards of Learning (SOL) assessment item sets — including items used in test forms during the 2025-26 school year — continue to be released on the VDOE website. These released item sets sample the depth and rigor of Virginia’s updated standards and will support educators and students in preparing for SOL assessments in the 2026-27 school year. New released item sets will be available for:
- Grades 3-8 Mathematics, End-of-Course (EOC) Algebra I, and EOC Geometry;
- Grades 3-8 Reading and EOC Reading; and
- Grade 5 Science, Grade 8 Science, and EOC Biology.
VDOE is excited to continue its webinar series sharing information about released item sets and assisting Virginia educators in using them to inform and support instructional practices. Please complete this form to indicate interest in one or more sessions. Registration information will be distributed upon completion of the form.
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SOL Assessment Resources for Elementary English, Mathematics, Science, and History
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SOL Assessment Resources for History and Social Science: Civics & Economics and EOC
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September 29, 5-5:45 p.m.*
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SOL Assessment Resources for Mathematics: Grades 6-8 and EOC
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September 28, 5-5:45 p.m.*
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SOL Assessment Resources for Reading: Grades 6-8 and EOC
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September 29, 4-4:45 p.m.*
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SOL Assessment Resources for Science: Grade 8 and EOC
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September 28, 4-4:45 p.m.*
*Note: Sessions offered September 28-October 1 repeat content offered September 21–22.
Statewide Survey on Artificial Intelligence Systems in Virginia Public Schools – Due October 16
Article: 2026-37-431
Audience: Superintendents
Contact: Keisha Tennessee, Computer Science Coordinator, Keisha.Tennessee@doe.virginia.gov
Pursuant to SB 394 (2026), Chapter 943, VDOE is conducting statewide data collection on current uses of artificial intelligence systems (AIS) in public schools as required under § 22.1‑20.2:1 of the Code of Virginia. The AIS in Virginia Public Schools survey collects information on AIS use, data privacy and security practices, educator training, transparency measures, and division managed AIS platforms, consistent with the statutory guidance areas outlined in SB 394.
As the survey covers multiple areas of AIS use and governance, divisions are encouraged to begin internal coordination early to ensure a complete and accurate submission.
Districts Invited to Apply to 9th Grade Accelerator Cohort – Due October 30
Article: 2026-37-430
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators
Contact:
Ninth grade is a make-or-break year for high school and postsecondary success: Studies show that whether or not a student finishes freshman year on track predicts graduation more accurately than test scores, race, or family income. To support successful transitions, the Center for High School Success is launching a first-of-its-kind cohort to bring together district leaders to strategize, analyze data, and act proactively to support students. Districts are invited to apply.
Now Accepting Applications for the National Assessment Governing Board – Due November 15
Article: 2026-37-429
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, Curriculum Specialist, School Principals, Teachers
Non-teaching staff, Business, General Public, and State School Board Representative
Contact: Latosha Branch, Virginia NAEP State Coordinator, Latosha.Branch@doe.virginia.gov
The National Assessment Governing Board is officially welcoming applications for new members who will play a vital role in shaping the Nation’s Report Card, formally known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). This is an exciting opportunity for professionals and community members to contribute to one of the most significant measures of student achievement in the United States.
The Governing Board oversees the development, administration, and reporting of NAEP assessments. They are currently seeking applicants for several key roles, including:
- 12th Grade Teacher
- Curriculum Specialist
- Business Representative
- General Public Representative
- Testing and Measurement Expert
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State School Board Member
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Local Superintendent
Individuals serving on the Board help guide policy, set priorities, and ensure the integrity of the Nation’s Report Card. Whether you are an educator, policymaker, business professional, or engaged community member, this is a chance to influence how our nation understands student learning and educational progress.
The application deadline is November 15 at 12:01 a.m. ET.
Consider sharing this opportunity or applying yourself—your expertise could make a meaningful impact on the future of educational assessment nationwide.
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Early Childhood
VQB5 2026-27 Registration – One More Week!
Article: 2026-37-429
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers, Non-teaching staff
Contact: Lucy Mitzner, Early Childhood Improvement Strategy Lead, Lucy.Mitzner@doe.virginia.gov
VQB5 registration for the 2026-27 year is in its final week in LinkB5 via VAConnects. All publicly funded early childhood programs, including VPI, ECSE, and Head Start, must complete registration by October 1. The resources below are available to support successful registration.
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Data Collection
2026-27 Fall Positions and Exits Collection
Article: 2026-37-425
Audience: Superintendents, IT/Data and Division HR Personnel
Contact: Myesha Garnes, Education Data Specialist, Myesha.Garnes@doe.virginia.gov
In order to comply with the requirements of Virginia Code § 22.1-290.2 and ESEA TITLE II, PART A reporting, VDOE will be conducting the Fall Positions and Exits Collection (Fall PEC) for the 2026-27 school year.
The Fall PEC is designed to collect information on:
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The total number of full-time equivalent positions (FTEs) for licensed and unlicensed personnel in public school divisions and regional centers.
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The number of filled and unfilled bus driver positions by headcount.
A detailed listing of the data elements on the Fall PEC, instructions for completing and submitting the file, and related resources are available on the Positions and Exits Collection page on the VDOE website.
The Fall PEC will be open and accessible through the Single Sign-on for Web Systems (SSWS) portal on October 1, a successful submission is due on October 16. Each school division and/or regional center’s Superintendent or Director must complete the verification process, by electronic signature via SDCA by October 30.
Please be advised that position codes 143-146 have been added and position codes 15 and 16 have been retired. Please refer to the Position with details document on the PEC website for more information about the new position codes.
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School & Community Nutrition
Verification of Household Eligibility for Free and Reduced-Price Meals
Article: 2026-37-424
Audience: Superintendents, Directors
Contact: Andrea Nannery, RDN, SNS, SNP Coordinator, Andrea.Nannery@doe.virginia.gov
The Code of Federal Regulations Title 7, Part 245.6a(c)(1) requires local education agencies (LEAs) to verify a sample of applications approved for free and reduced-price meals each school year. Verification is not required when the LEA does not collect applications due to operating a special provision, such as the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). However, all School Food Authorities (SFAs) operating traditional or special provision schools and all Residential Child Care Institutions are required to submit information in the SNPWeb Verification Collection Report. SFAs may review SCNP (Dir.) Memo #2026-2027-19, Attachments A and for detailed information on the verification process and reporting requirements.
New Guidance Feature for Child Nutrition Programs: The SNPWeb Resource Library
Article: 2026-37-423
Audience: Superintendents, Directors
Contact: Crystal Crutchfield, VDOE-SCNP Business Operations Coordinator, Crystal.Crutchfield@doe.virginia.gov
The School Nutrition Program Web-based system (SNPWeb) provides school nutrition directors, community sponsors, and the VDOE Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs with access to applications, claims, and related Child Nutrition Program functions. The VDOE-SCNP is introducing a new feature in SNPWeb called the Resource Library! SNPWeb users can now find materials in the Resource Library and Download Forms:
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Resource Library (New): Users will go here to access resources. For example, instructions, posters, informational/training materials, and guidance documents.
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Download Forms (Updated): Users can access permanent agreements, addendums, and templates needed for program operation.
Users can view, download, and print materials from both the Resource Library and Download Forms. Both features include a column showing when each file was last modified to ensure users have the most up-to-date information.
We encourage all SNPWeb users to explore the Resource Library and Download Forms features.
Join the Chesapeake Bay Blue Catfish Recipe Development Team
Article: 2026-37-422
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Food Authorities
Contact: Amy Richardson, VDOE-SCNP Culinary Training Specialist, amy.richardson@doe.virginia.gov
The VDOE Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs is seeking to recruit new members for the 2026-27 Blue Catfish Recipe Development Team. All interested school divisions are welcome to complete and submit the online Blue Catfish Recipe Development Team Application, by 12 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, to be considered for this opportunity.
The recipe development team will work with VDOE-SCNP to develop, test, and standardize a new recipe that meets meal-pattern crediting requirements and features Chesapeake Bay Blue Catfish. Teams can including at least 2-3 staff members, and must commit to 16 weeks of recipe development. Each team will receive up to $1,500 for completion and acceptance of their recipe.
School Food Authorities are invited to attend a virtual informational meeting on October 1 at 2 p.m. to learn more about the requirements. Review SCNP (Dir.) Memo #2026-2027-19 and Attachment A for meeting details and more information.
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Student Health & Safety
School-Based Mental Health Grant Deadline Extended to September 28
Article: 2026-37-434
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Non-teaching staff, School-Based Mental Health Professionals
Contact: Kristinne Stone, Behavioral Health Programs Specialist, Kristinne.Stone@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services has extended the deadline for school divisions to submit applications for the School-Based Mental Health Grant until 5 p.m. on September 28. The solicitation number for this application is RFA 720-5296. Please submit applications through the eVA system and direct questions regarding access to eVA support, which is outlined in the Request for Applications addendum.
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