Virginia Board of Education approves overdose notification guidance, internet-safety policy and multiple regulatory updates

The Virginia Board of Education on Tuesday approved a series of policies and regulatory changes the department and local school divisions will implement this summer and school year, including updated guidance on school-connected opioid overdoses, an expanded model policy on internet safety and changes to child-care subsidy regulations tied to the 2025 state budget.

Board members voted unanimously to waive first review and adopt the amended guidelines on school-connected overdose policies, response and parental notification after department staff said the revisions reflect bipartisan legislation passed in the 2025 General Assembly and extensive public feedback. The adopted guidance requires notification for both suspected and confirmed school-connected overdoses and includes newly added definitions and model language for division policies.

Also approved on final action were: - Revisions to the model policy concerning internet safety, which add guidance on artificial intelligence tools, protections for student personally identifiable information and a requirement that divisions provide age-appropriate internet-safety instruction prior to student use of online systems. - Final adoption of Virginia’s school accreditation report for school year 2024–25, and delegation of authority to VDOE staff to make technical edits. - Changes to child-care subsidy regulations that implement budget directives effective July 1, 2025, including modest parent co-pay adjustments and prioritization rules intended to open slots for families…