Dr. Samantha Hollins, state director of special education at the Virginia Department of Education, updated the Virginia Disability Commission on June 5 about Virginia IEP and dispute‑resolution services.

Hollins said Virginia IEP — the statewide individualized education program system used by most local divisions — now includes 117 of 131 school divisions, and the fiscal 2026 budget included $5 million for system enhancements focused on translation, a parent portal and progress‑tracking features.

"I am Sam Hollins, the state special ed director for Virginia," she said, and described how the technology supports required IEP components and helps local teams implement legislative changes. Hollins said the department will roll out the funded updates over the summer and provide training to divisions before the 2025–26 school year.

On dispute resolution, Hollins said state complaints, mediation and facilitated‑IEP requests have increased. "For a long time, Virginia hovered right around 100 state complaints per year. This year, we're closer to 400," she said. The department has increased staff support to the parent ombudsman office and is working with PEATC (the state parent training and information center), the Virginia Partnership for People with Disabilities and other partners to expand regional outreach.

Hollins noted the Commission on Youth is studying dispute resolution and that the department participates in those conversations; she said the department also consults with other states and technical assistance networks to improve dispute‑resolution quality and access.

Commissioners discussed additional federal and state developments, including Section 504 concerns and potential federal changes; Hollins said the department is monitoring federal guidance and increasing state resources to help parents and divisions navigate special education processes.

The commission requested and received an offer from the department to present the Commission on Youth findings at a later meeting once those recommendations are available.