FEDERAL APPEALS COURT TAKES UP VIRGINIA'S LAW RESTRICTING MASKED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
Virginia lawmakers are moving forward with plans to reevaluate how public schools receive state funding, potentially leading to significant changes in how education resources are distributed across the Commonwealth.
On Monday, October 26, a legislative subcommittee approved a plan to hire an outside expert to study Virginia's school funding formula, which has been in place for approximately 52 years.
The current system determines funding largely through staffing-based calculations and standards established by the state.
A 2023 study by Virginia's Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission found that local governments contribute significantly more toward public education than the state.
Lawmakers are now considering alternative methods that would calculate funding based more directly on student enrollment and individual educational needs.
These changes could affect funding for special education programs, students learning English, classroom staffing, and school operating expenses.
The Virginia Department of Education expects to begin the consultant selection process during the upcoming General Assembly session in January 2027.
The consultant could have up to 24 months to complete the study, although legislators have expressed interest in receiving recommendations sooner.
According to a legislative staff report, Virginia has increased ongoing K-12 funding by more than $4 billion between fiscal years 2023 and 2028.
The newly approved study does not immediately change school budgets. Any future funding formula would require additional consideration and action by state lawmakers.
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