Gov. Glenn Youngkin's goal to expand the number of publicly funded, independently run schools now hinges on a proposal to entice colleges and universities to open such schools - a proposal that has garnered support from Democrats in the Senate and key education groups.

BUENA VISTA, Va. (WDBJ) - The principal of Buena Vista's Parry McCluer Middle School has received some recognition. Debbie Gilbert received the Impact Award from the Virginia Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development in Richmond Tuesday. The group supports educators committed to innovation and excellence in teaching and learning.

HENRICO, Va. (WWBT) - The Henrico school board has unveiled a plan to transition away from universal masking. All of this is happening while the General Assembly is looking to do away with school mask mandates entirely, but the board still wanted to have a transition plan in place.

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA - Amid mask opt-out legislation advancing in the Virginia General Assembly, Fairfax County Public Schools has announced metrics for easing the mask mandate. On Thursday, FCPS announced a roll-back plan based on community COVID-19 transmission data and health expert recommendations. Once Fairfax County reaches moderate transmission, FCPS will make masks optional.

LOUISA CO. Va. (WVIR) - Louisa County High School culinary students teamed up with the Louisa Methodist church to get some real world cooking experience while giving back to the community. After January's bad winter storm, students knew they wanted to give back to their community in the only way they knew how - cooking a free meal.

The Henrico County School Board Thursday voted unanimously to set clear guidelines governing when the school division will remove its mandatory face mask policy for students. The four-metric plan includes three standards that already have been met: * a minimum 70% vaccination rate in the county (Henrico's reached that level Jan.

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. - Chesterfield County Public Schools Superintendent Merv Daugherty has proposed an $846.8 million dollar budget for the next school year that would include nearly $60 million in salary raises for teachers and other staff. The breakdown proposes $36 million for teachers and other school staff and $23.6 million for food service staff, bus drivers, custodians, security and clerical support.

The back and forth on mask mandates in schools could soon come to an end. A new bill making its way through the Virginia General Assembly would give the final say on masks in schools, making them optional for students.