During a recent government meeting, Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) officials discussed key legislative priorities for the upcoming session. The meeting featured an update from Kathy Bircher, a legislative consultant, who outlined the goals for the school division as they prepare for a short 45-day session in Virginia's General Assembly.

Bircher emphasized the importance of amending the biennial budget, which was adopted last session, and highlighted the upcoming elections that could influence legislative actions. She noted that all 100 members of the House of Delegates will be up for election, which often leads to increased political maneuvering.

A significant focus of the discussion was on the K-12 funding report from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC). Bircher pointed out that the report revealed a substantial underfunding of K-12 education in Virginia. She urged the board to prioritize funding based on the findings of this report, as it is crucial for supporting student outcomes and achieving strategic goals.

The meeting also addressed the need for a revised legislative program that better reflects the unique needs of NPS. Bircher proposed a new approach to presenting legislative priorities, aiming to highlight the positive achievements of the school division while removing deficit language that often overshadows their successes.

Key recommendations included advocating for improved funding for English Language Learners (ELL) and special education programs, as well as addressing staffing ratios and support for at-risk students. Bircher mentioned that the upcoming session may see an omnibus bill that consolidates various JLARC recommendations, which could lead to significant changes in funding and support for these populations.

The board members expressed their appreciation for the new legislative program layout and discussed the importance of ensuring that any new legislation aligns with the needs of students, particularly those requiring additional support. They emphasized the necessity of creating a pipeline for qualified staff to fill critical positions in schools.

As the meeting concluded, Bircher encouraged the board to remain engaged with their legislative delegation to ensure that Norfolk's priorities are effectively communicated and represented in the upcoming session. The next major milestone will be the governor's budget announcement on December 18, which will provide further insight into potential funding for K-12 education in Virginia.