District removes possible web references to avoid federal certification flag, board to return certification

Franklin County Public Schools staff told the board on April 7 they received a federal certification request routed through the Virginia Department of Education asking divisions to certify certain practices as a condition of continued federal funding. Staff said the required certification indicates the school division must affirm compliance with federal terms and that certain language or materials on a district website could trigger a finding.

Mr. Morrison and other staff reviewed the district website and removed materials that might be construed as DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) policies or practices to avoid being flagged while the division seeks additional guidance from the VDOE. Dr. Sears told the board the district is also reviewing how to reference state-required cultural competency training for teachers, which is in the Code of Virginia and part of licensure renewal; staff said they would reword web content so teachers are still informed that the training is required without presenting web language that could be interpreted as a DEI policy.

Administrators said the certification is due quickly; staff proposed returning the form if the board reached consensus. Board members indicated they believed the district did not have DEI initiatives requiring removal from the website but supported the cautious approach pending state guidance. Staff said they expect additional guidance from the Virginia Department of Education and would submit the requested certification on the district’s timeline.