VIRGINIA SCHOOL BOARD

May 08 2026EDUCATION

Finding time for free play in school

Schools often focus on structured lessons, but a new study suggests something simple might help kids more: free play. Researchers looked at 125 elementary students in a high-poverty area. The kids were split into groups that got 12 weeks of 45-minute free play sessions either in fall or spring. The

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May 07 2026OPINION

Phones in schools: why a total ban misses the bigger picture

Schools today aren’t just teaching algebra or history—they’re preparing students for a world where phones are everywhere. A complete ban on these devices might seem like an easy fix for distractions, but it ignores a bigger issue: teaching responsible use instead of avoiding technology altogether. T

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May 03 2026OPINION

Teachers and nurses deserve real respect, not just online words

Schools used to be places where adults actually worked with kids, not battlegrounds. Teachers once had room to teach without constant fear of insults, threats, or budget cuts. Now many quit because the job has become harder than it needs to be. Some parents and politicians seem to think teaching is

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Apr 29 2026POLITICS

Virginia’s Redistricting Fight Shows How Maps Shape Power

Virginia is caught in a legal tug-of-war over who controls the state’s political map. Last week, voters approved a new congressional district plan drawn by Democrats, which could flip four GOP-held House seats in November. But a county judge quickly blocked the results, calling the referendum illega

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Apr 23 2026OPINION

Virginia weighs risky dental cuts in budget squeeze

Virginia lawmakers face tough choices as they look for ways to balance the state budget. One proposal under review would limit Medicaid dental coverage for adults—a move that might seem like quick savings but could actually cost more in the long run. Research shows that when states cut dental benefi

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Apr 20 2026EDUCATION

How Virginia schools are turning snow days into learning days

Virginia schools have quietly transformed how they handle winter weather in recent years. Instead of canceling classes entirely, many now use remote learning to keep students on track. This shift didn’t happen overnight—it took time, trial, and lessons from the pandemic. Before, schools often had to

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Apr 18 2026ENVIRONMENT

Data Centers in Virginia: A Hidden Health Cost

Virginia hosts the world’s biggest cluster of data centers, a stretch known as “Data Center Alley. ” The region grew because it sits close to Washington, D. C. , offers cheap land, and has long‑standing tax breaks. Today, most of these facilities are in Loudoun, Prince William and Fairfax counties,

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Apr 17 2026TECHNOLOGY

When student data leaks in the cloud

Schoolbook publisher McGraw Hill discovered a gap in its online defenses this April that let outsiders view 13. 5 million user files stored on Salesforce. The hole came from a simple setup mistake, not a hacker tunneling through complex code. Attackers calling themselves ShinyHunters grabbed the exp

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Apr 09 2026OPINION

Health care costs in Virginia: Who really pays the price?

Virginia's health care system is facing a quiet crisis, and most residents don't even realize the game being played with their wallets. Last year's major federal health law quietly handed corporations and wealthy shareholders huge tax breaks while leaving average families to foot the bill. The resul

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Apr 07 2026POLITICS

Virginia's New Governor Struggles Early Despite Big Win

Virginia just elected Abigail Spanberger governor in a landslide last November. She promised to be a moderate leader, but now, just 80 days into her term, her approval ratings are the worst for any Virginia governor in the 21st century. Only 47% of voters approve of her performance, while 46% disapp

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