Governor Spanberger Signs Bipartisan Bills to Support Students, Address Teacher Vacancies Across Virginia

HENRICO, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger yesterday signed legislation led by General Assembly members from both parties focused on strengthening schools, addressing teacher shortages, and making sure parents know their kids are receiving a quality education.

At Highland Springs High School in Eastern Henrico, the Governor joined parents, educators, and legislators to sign bipartisan legislation to enter Virginia into the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact - creating a new, clearer pathway to license teachers coming from other states, so they can get into Virginia classrooms without unnecessary delays. The Governor also signed bipartisan bills into law to empower parents to be involved in their child's course selection and strengthen school construction and modernization planning.

"As the parent of three daughters in Virginia public schools, the strength of public education is personal to me and my family," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "I think about the teachers who show up for our kids. The buildings they learn in. The courses that will open doors for them. The opportunities that will determine what kind of future they have. Every Virginia parent thinks about that for their own children. And every Virginia parent deserves to know that their Governor is thinking about it, too."

Spanberger continued, "That's what today is all about. We are taking commonsense, bipartisan steps to make it easier for qualified educators to bring their skills to Virginia, expand access to college entrance exams, and empower parents to be involved in their child's course selection. I am proud to join teachers, parents, and students to sign this legislation into law - and I am grateful to legislators for their work to bring these bills to my desk."

Despite recent progress, many school divisions continue to see vacancies in teaching positions across K-12 schools - particularly in Hampton Roads, Southside, and Coastal and Central Virginia. Teacher vacancy rates in these regions remain above 4 percent, with communities across the Commonwealth also facing challenges recruiting and retaining critical support staff and administrative personnel.

Governor Spanberger signed the following bipartisan bills to strengthen Virginia schools:

• HB253 (Delegate Jackie Glass) - Entering Virginia into the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact. Passed unanimously.
• SB817 (Senator David Suetterlein) - Empowering parents by requiring schools to notify parents of student course enrollment deadlines and the process for requesting changes to course selection. Passed unanimously.
• SB498 (Senator Lashrecse Aird) - Supporting new investment in K-12 schools by making the Commission on School Construction and Modernization permanent and requiring a 10-year capital roadmap. Passed unanimously.
• HB410 (Delegate David Reid) - Expanding access to college entrance exams by making sure every Virginia school participates in SAT School Day. Passed with bipartisan support.
• HB182 (Delegate David Reid), SB427 (Senator Lamont Bagby) - Expanding history course selection choices for students. Passed with bipartisan support.

BACKGROUND

During her first 100 days in office, Governor Spanberger has partnered with parents, educators, and legislators from across the Commonwealth to take concrete steps to address the challenges facing schools, set up students for successful careers, and build a high-quality public education system for all kids.

In March, the Governor launched her Administration's Commonwealth Listening Tour to hear directly from parents, teachers, and students. Governor Spanberger has also signed dozens of bipartisan bills to strengthen schools, support teachers who help kids reach their full potential, and keep kids safe and healthy both in and out of the classroom.

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