Supervisor-led resolution opposing two VMI governance bills fails after split board debate
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Summary
A resolution opposing House Bills 1374 and 1377, which would change the composition and governance of the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors, failed on a 2-4-1 vote after supervisors debated alumni representation, possible defunding and recent legislative revisions.
The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 23 considered a resolution expressing opposition to House Bill 1374 and House Bill 1377, two measures that would change the governance structure of the Virginia Military Institute's (VMI) Board of Visitors.
Vice Chair Fedjakowski introduced the resolution and argued the bills represented a political move that could remove VMI alumni from the board and even risk defunding. He called for the county to stand with VMI and its "186 year history," citing alumni and military-retention statistics.
Other supervisors said they had reviewed the revised bills and found modifications that restored some autonomy; several noted VMI leadership had signaled support for the amended language. Supervisor Kits said provisions had been rewritten to limit the risk of wholesale alumni removal and that the legislative process should be allowed to proceed. Supervisor Kits announced he would abstain from the vote due to his background and connections.
The roll-call vote recorded 2 ayes, 4 no and 1 abstention; the resolution therefore failed. Board members debated the issue at length but took no further county action at the meeting.
