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Senate panel kills effort to track English learner funding

Published

4 weeks ago

February 17, 2025

Staff Editor

virginiamercury.com – Nathaniel Cline – 2025-02-17 13:57:00

Senate panel kills effort to track English learner funding

by Nathaniel Cline, Virginia Mercury
February 17, 2025

A push to examine how Virginia funds English language learners (ELLs) in public schools was shut down Monday, as the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee rejected a proposal for data collection on the issue.

The effort stemmed from a 2023 report by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), which found that Virginia has been underfunding schools under the Standards of Quality (SOQ) — the state’s funding formula for public education. Lawmakers had requested the report to identify gaps in school funding and determine whether ELL students were receiving adequate resources.

The funding gap is stark. A 2022 study from EdTrust, an education advocacy group, showed that Virginia school districts serving the highest number of ELL students receive 48% less revenue per student than districts with fewer ELL students, VPM first reported.

“I think it’s important for us, as a commonwealth, to provide funding for the requirements that we set forth, so that local appropriations are not needed to close that gap,” Del. Atoosa Reaser, D-Loudoun, the legislation’s sponsor, said Monday.

“That’s money that belongs to the taxpayer; and the state should be, in my opinion, funding its fair share, which the House budget works toward.”

Reaser’s House Bill 2032 would have directed the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to collect data on expenditures and proficiency levels for ELL students. The measure also called for the identification of additional support strategies and a status report to lawmakers later this year. However, the Virginia Department of Planning and Budget found no expected fiscal impact, as data on proficiency is already collected.

Reaser’s proposal cleared the House on Jan. 28, but not without changes. Lawmakers stripped out a provision that would have allocated additional state funding for ELL students, instead folding that language into HB 1954, sponsored by House Education Committee Chair Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke. That bill also failed but could resurface during budget negotiations in the coming days.

Last year, the legislature created the Joint Subcommittee on Elementary and Secondary Education to review JLARC’s recommendations with the goal of replacing the outdated formula. Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton, the committee chair, on Monday urged the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee to shelve the English learner funding bill, arguing that the panel’s work isn’t finished.

“It’s important we do this in a manner that we are looking at all of the JLARC recommendations,” Locke said, adding that some of the commission’s proposals have already been addressed in the state budget.

The bill also coincides with recent changes from the Virginia Board of Education, which now require more English learner test scores to be included in school accountability calculations — a shift that could have significant consequences for schools that serve large ELL populations.

However, some Democrats are pushing to delay the rollout of the new accountability system, citing concerns about fairness and accuracy in measuring student performance. For now, the debate over English learner funding remains tied to the larger fight over how Virginia funds its schools.

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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.

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President Trump aims to keep FBI headquarters in DC, Maryland leaders object | NBC4 Washington

Published

7 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – NBC4 Washington – 2025-03-15 22:31:28

SUMMARY: President Trump announced he is halting the relocation of the FBI headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Prince George’s County, Maryland, causing concern among local lawmakers who see it as a setback. The planned move to Greenbelt, approved over a year ago, was expected to create 30,000 jobs and boost the area’s economy. Local leaders, including Maryland Governor Wes Moore, criticized Trump’s decision, stating it jeopardizes public safety and construction timelines. The current FBI building poses risks due to its deteriorating condition, and local leaders remain committed to ensuring the headquarters relocates to Maryland despite the challenges posed by the president’s remarks.

As President Donald Trump announced his intention to keep the FBI headquarters in D.C., Maryland Rep. Glenn Ivey and Gov. Wes Moore come out against the proposal. News4’s Catalina Pérez de Armiñán reports.
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Protesters on National Mall call for Trump impeachment | NBC4 Washington

Published

1 day ago

March 14, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – NBC4 Washington – 2025-03-14 19:49:35

SUMMARY: Protesters gathered on the National Mall for over four hours, many identifying as veterans angered by President Trump’s policies, particularly cuts to veterans’ services. The crowd, holding homemade signs like “No Kings, No Doge,” called for Trump’s impeachment, citing his abuse of power. Speakers, including former Capitol police officer Harry Dum, criticized Trump’s actions, particularly regarding January 6th. Organized by comedian Cliff Cash, the protest featured chants and emotional speeches, with frustration directed at politicians, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. The protest highlighted concerns over national division and the ongoing political situation.

A rally on the National Mall including mostly veterans called for the impeachment of President Donald Trump. News4’s Paul Wagner reports.
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Lisa Coons resigns as Virginia’s superintendent of public instruction

Published

1 day ago

March 14, 2025

Staff Editor

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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