Norfolk readies 2026 legislative priorities, seeks board feedback before October

NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Public Schools’ legislative representative on Sept. 3 briefed the school board on a revised 2026 legislative program and a concise priorities outline to guide advocacy during the upcoming General Assembly session and budget cycle.

Emily Webb, who represents the district in Richmond, presented an edited legislative program (track changes) and a new one‑page priorities document that the district plans to use in meetings with the Norfolk delegation, key committee members and the incoming governor’s administration. Webb asked board members for feedback by Sept. 19 and said a final draft would be circulated Oct. 1 for action at the Oct. 15 meeting.

Why it matters: The 2026 session is a biennial budget year and will be a longer, 60‑day session beginning Jan. 14, 2026. The division must prioritize a short list of top asks for capital and operating support, including school construction and items that could affect staffing and per‑student funding.

Key points - Timeline: General Assembly pre‑fileing begins Nov. 17. Governor Youngkin planned to release his budget proposal Dec. 17; the new administration will be sworn in Jan. 17. Because the session is a budget year, Webb said advocacy and clear priorities are especially important and rapid movement is expected during session. - Documents: Webb proposed keeping the comprehensive legislative program but also producing a concise priorities one‑pager to present to legislators and committee members because session moves quickly and committee attention is limited. - Support cap and budget posture: Webb noted the division’s longstanding support cap issue remains in the comprehensive program; she said the fiscal landscape and competing priorities in a budget year may make it harder to secure large new investments. She asked the board whether to highlight the support cap among the top priorities; board members generally supported keeping it in the program and asked for time to decide whether to list it on the one‑page priorities document. - Next steps: Board members were asked to provide edits to Webb by Sept. 19. If the board approves the final program on Oct. 15, Norfolk will share the document at a planned legislative event on Nov. 13 that precedes the General Assembly pre‑file window.

Ending Webb said she will incorporate board edits, finalize a draft by Oct. 1, and work with superintendent staff to design the public materials. Board members asked for two weeks to return edits and emphasized that the district should keep both the comprehensive program and a short priorities page for use in meetings with Richmond lawmakers.