We have covered workforce development a lot in recent weeks and will continue to track with persistence. However, we wanted to provide an update on the status of charter schools. Under current law, charter schools are allowed in Virginia but only if they're approved by local school boards. Current legislation could change that but it will also take changing the Constitution.
Delegate Rob Bell is pushing for a constitutional amendment HB3
to allow the Virginia Board of Education to create charter schools and bypass local school boards. A constitutional amendment is a long process that requires the General Assembly to vote twice with an election separating the House of Delegates terms. The first measure was victorious in last year's Session and now needs approval from the House and Senate. If passed, the final seal of approval will come from voters in November with a charter school referendum on the ballot.
We Advocate for maintaining and developing new and innovative education programs to enhance and attract human capital for our region.
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