Virginia Beach students demand equal grading weights for all academy classes

A powerful call for equity and safety echoed through the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Board meeting on March 25, 2025, as students and community members passionately addressed critical issues affecting their educational environment.

Grace Curran, a member of the Legal Studies Academy, urged the board to grant weighted points for all academy courses, similar to those awarded to the Governor's School for the Arts. "This is not so much a matter of boosting a GPA but a matter of what is equitable for all," she stated, highlighting the disparity in recognition for rigorous academic programs. Curran emphasized that all academy students deserve acknowledgment for their hard work and dedication, advocating for fairness in grading policies.

The meeting also spotlighted concerns about school safety, particularly following a recent lockdown at Bayside High School. Student Carter Babington recounted the traumatic experience, calling for improved training for substitute teachers and an increase in lockdown drills. "No student should have to experience what happened on Wednesday," he asserted, stressing the need for better preparedness in crisis situations.

In a heartfelt plea, fifth grader Beatrice Doucette voiced her worries about the removal of books from school libraries deemed inappropriate. "By taking out a book, you're taking access from all the students," she argued, advocating for the reinstatement of diverse literature to foster knowledge and understanding among peers.

Community advocate Tricia Abernathy announced an upcoming town hall focused on school safety, inviting board members and parents to engage in discussions about enhancing training for law enforcement and school staff. "When we work together as a community, we can create safer schools," she emphasized.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the importance of commemorative resolutions, which recognize the contributions of diverse groups within the school community. Several speakers, including Georgia Allen, urged the board to maintain these resolutions, arguing that they foster inclusion and representation.

As the board considers these pressing issues, the voices of students and community members serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and the collective responsibility to create a safe and equitable educational environment for all.