Education stories in Hampton Roads

Norfolk Public Schools plans to close four elementary schools by the end of the 2026-27 school year, prompting concerns from parents about academic performance and transportation. Community meetings were held to discuss the implications of this consolidation driven by declining enrollment.

A former assistant principal from Richneck Elementary School is appealing a $10 million judgment related to negligence in a teacher's shooting incident. This appeal comes in the wake of serious allegations regarding the school's safety protocols.

A New York high school senior was suspended on her first day of school after refusing to discard her coffee, challenging a new policy that bans outside food and drinks. The student raised concerns about how the policy was adopted.

As college graduates express anxiety over job prospects, experts warn of an unprecedented shortage of workers across various sectors. This shortage could significantly impact the U.S. economy and its ability to function effectively.

A school bus from Glenwood Middle School veered off its route, prompting students to notify police. The driver, a 68-year-old woman, may have experienced a medical emergency but all 16 students were unharmed.

Virginia Commonwealth University President Michael Rao has been awarded a $1 million base salary and a contract extension through June 2032. This decision reflects the board's confidence in Rao's leadership amid challenges faced by other college presidents in Virginia.

The Rivers Casino Portsmouth is offering a Dealer Academy at Tidewater Community College, training aspiring croupiers in card games. The program is free but competitive, with periodic auditions determining who continues.

Bruce Hornsby brings The Noisemakers to the Ferguson Center for the Arts on Oct. 17, the final stop of his Indigo Park Tour. (Photo by David McClister) NEWPORT NEWS — Williamsburg-based musician Bruce Hornsby and The Noisemakers will play the Ferguson Center for the Arts at Christopher Newport

Hokies score on first five possessions in 44-21 win over Old Dominion

Lehigh's early surge too much for No. 16 William & Mary to overcome

The Virginia Department of Education has awarded $12 million in grants for school security upgrades to 91 school divisions. This funding comes in response to heightened concerns over school safety following a recent shooting incident in Waynesboro.

Virginia Beach schools will introduce new firefighting and law enforcement programs for high school students starting in fall 2027. The revamped classes aim to enhance partnerships with local emergency services and provide students with career opportunities.

Tidewater Community College has confirmed that some students were inadvertently dropped from their fall classes on Wednesday. The college is addressing the issue to ensure students can re-enroll.

As Virginia faces a backlog in school construction and maintenance, some counties in Hampton Roads are considering a 1% sales tax for funding. However, many jurisdictions are hesitant to put this measure to a vote due to economic uncertainties and voter sentiment.

A new UCLA report emphasizes the urgent need for schools in California, particularly in San Diego County, to enhance support for homeless students. The report calls for increased funding and federal protections to address educational disparities faced by these students.

Recent cuts to the SNAP program may jeopardize free breakfast and lunch for over a million children nationwide, including those in Hampton Roads. As schools prepare for the new term, many students could lose access to these vital meals, impacting their health and academic performance.

Old Dominion University has achieved a historic 14% increase in new student enrollment, surpassing 24,000 students this fall. This milestone reflects the success of the university's digital transformation efforts.

During a recent meeting, the Virginia Beach School Board was advised to reduce the number of Freedom of Information Act requests, which are straining district resources. Board members expressed concerns about the potential for information bottlenecks and the need for clearer guidelines on when to file such requests.

Richmond Public Schools has outperformed the state average in reading proficiency among multilingual learners, with 39.2% passing the SOL exams. This success highlights the effective teaching strategies employed at schools like G.H. Reid Elementary, where a significant portion of students are learning English as a second language.

The Department of Health and Human Services has announced $225 million in new funding for Head Start programs across the country. This funding aims to enhance nutrition services, upgrade facilities, and address one-time operational costs.

The Virginia School Construction and Modernization Commission held its first meeting in four years, now a permanent legislative body. With 47 localities seeking a 1% sales tax increase for school funding, the commission aims to address significant maintenance needs in schools, particularly in Richmond.

A recent international assessment reveals a significant drop in family interest in children's education, coinciding with the lowest test scores in history for high-income countries. The findings highlight the importance of parental involvement in academic success.

Dr. Carlton Carter has resigned as superintendent of Franklin City Public Schools following conflicts with the School Board. Dr. Clint Walters has been appointed as the acting superintendent.

Chesapeake schools kick off the new academic year with enhanced STEM opportunities as Southeastern Elementary unveils its new collaborative spaces. This initiative aims to foster leadership and innovation among students.

Southeastern Elementary School in Chesapeake has opened a new 12-classroom addition, enhancing learning spaces for 800 students. The expansion supports STEM activities and collaborative teaching, with features like flexible seating and natural light.

Prince George has started his education at Eton College, following in the footsteps of his father, Prince William, and uncle, Prince Harry. The 13-year-old arrived in good spirits and was welcomed by the school's principal as he begins this prestigious chapter in his life.

Dr. Carlton Carter has resigned as the superintendent of Franklin City Public Schools after serving since March 2023. The announcement was made during a special School Board meeting.