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Lisa Coons resigns as Virginia’s superintendent of public instruction

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6 months ago

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virginiamercury.com – Nathaniel Cline – 2025-03-14 17:49:00

Lisa Coons resigns as Virginia’s superintendent of public instruction

by Nathaniel Cline, Virginia Mercury
March 14, 2025

Less than two years after joining the Virginia Department of Education, Lisa Coons is out as superintendent of public instruction, after replacing former superintendent Jillian Balow.

The news of Coons’ resignation was first reported by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Chief Deputy Secretary of Education Emily Anne Gullickson will serve as acting state superintendent, the newspaper reported.

Coons joined the department on April 17, 2023 after leading Tennessee’s revisions for English Language Arts instruction. Appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, she was hired to help Virginia address low student proficiency ratings in math and reading. 

Coons joined the department during a period when the Board of Education was focused on following Youngkin’s directive of “restoring excellence” in Virginia’s public schools.

The board, along with Coons, navigated a turbulent period marked by a controversial revision of Virginia’s history and social science standards, which set Virginia’s expectations for K-12 student learning in those areas. The education department also worked to enhance special education regulations and practices, after a number of complaints were filed with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, prompting a federal investigation.

During her tenure, the board also overhauled the standards of learning, reduced regulatory barriers, approved new laboratory schools, enhanced the public charter school review process and lowered the vacancy rate of teachers.

The governor’s office did not respond to a request for comment before press time.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com.

The post Lisa Coons resigns as Virginia’s superintendent of public instruction appeared first on virginiamercury.com

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Area of interest forms in the Atlantic

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2 days ago

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September 11, 2025

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www.youtube.com – 13News Now – 2025-09-11 19:22:59

SUMMARY: On September 11, 2025, Chief Meteorologist Tim Pandages reported on Hurricane Hub Live about tropical developments in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific. In the Atlantic, a low-chance area of interest near the Cabo Verde Islands may become Tropical Storm Gabrielle but requires favorable conditions. Recent tropical waves have struggled due to stable atmospheric conditions. Models show possible development east of the Leeward Islands with a likely recurving path away from Bermuda. In the eastern Pacific, Tropical Depression 13E has formed, expected to become Hurricane Mario, the season’s 8th hurricane. The Atlantic has had only one hurricane so far, Major Hurricane Aaron. Activity is expected to increase into October.

The newly formed area of interest could become Invest 92-L off the coast of Africa. Find out about that and more during tonight’s episode of Hurricane Hub LIVE! Livestream from Thursday, September 11, 2025.

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Cat cafes, chromotherapy and pumpkin delivery: Here’s what’s new in RVA this September

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2 days ago

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September 11, 2025

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www.youtube.com – 12 On Your Side – 2025-09-11 19:05:58

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What’s New in RVA is dedicated to informing you about the latest happenings in the Richmond area.

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Congressional measure honors Angelina Resendiz, aims to help future servicemembers

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3 days ago

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September 10, 2025

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www.youtube.com – 13News Now – 2025-09-10 17:59:54

SUMMARY: Texas Congressman Vicente Gonzalez has proposed legislation honoring seaman Angelina Resendiz, aiming to improve military accountability for missing servicemembers. Resendiz was reported as absent without leave (AWOL) more than a week before her death, prompting calls for clearer reporting on armed forces members found deceased under similar circumstances in the past decade. The amendment requires the Secretary of Defense to provide Congress with comprehensive reports on such cases, ensuring the military properly distinguishes between AWOL and duty status whereabouts unknown. Advocates argue this will enhance safety and accountability in the armed forces. A sailor is currently in pretrial confinement linked to Resendiz’s death, with a hearing scheduled for September 18 in Norfolk.

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