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politics13h ago
Education tops priorities during 2026 Virginia General Assembly
- Virginia lawmakers opened the session amid a $1.2 billion two-year funding need to operate state schools.
- Hashmi says funding should go to students with the highest needs, including English learners and those from lower-income backgrounds.
- The School Construction and Modernization Fund enables localities to invest in projects with state matching funds.
- Delegate Israel O’Quinn proposed a bill to let counties finance projects via state borrowing at low interest rates.
- Bristol Public Schools used the fund to build the Virginia Intermediate School in 2024.
- Officials say upgraded facilities and technology improve the student experience.
- Lawmakers advanced four constitutional amendments as Democrats hold majorities.
- The session also featured debate over expanding funding formulas for local districts.
- Lawmakers highlighted the impact of school construction funding on regions like Southwest Virginia.
- The article notes bipartisan attention to education during the legislative session.
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