ICYMI: Governor Spanberger Signs Bipartisan Bills Into Law to Prepare Students for Success

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger continues to focus on working with parents, teachers, and leaders from both parties to make sure parents feel confident that their kids are receiving an outstanding education in Virginia public schools.

The Governor yesterday signed bipartisan legislation into law to strengthen public schools and prepare students for success. Bills the Governor signed will support high school career and technical education programs, make it easier for students and families to apply for financial aid, and empower parents to be involved in their child's course selection.

Read below for what Virginians across the Commonwealth are seeing about Governor Spanberger's focus on making sure students are safe, supported, and successful:

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Fox5 (Washington, D.C.): Spanberger signs bipartisan bills aimed at supporting Virginia students

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed another slate of bills today the latest focus on students. They include new cell phone restrictions, expansions to career and technical education, and improved access to school meals as well as crisis resources.

Spanberger has signed three rounds of bipartisan bills over the last week.

Virginia Mercury: New Virginia laws target school construction and classroom cellphone use

Framing education as a cornerstone of her administration, Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday signed a sweeping package of legislation aimed at strengthening K-12 schools, expanding career pathways and reducing classroom distractions across Virginia.

The measures, many of which passed the legislature with bipartisan or unanimous support, span much of the public education system - from school construction and academic standards to student safety, mental health and family engagement.

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Spanberger described the package of new laws as part of a broader effort to strengthen public education and prepare students for a range of postsecondary paths.

"The strength of public schools is personal for me - both as someone who grew up in Virginia public schools and as a parent of three school-aged daughters," Spanberger said in a statement. "Parents deserve to know that their students are receiving an education that allows them to reach their full potential."

8News (Richmond): Gov. Spanberger signs bills to strengthen Virginia schools

Gov. Abigail Spanberger recently signed several bipartisan bills to help strengthen success and safety within Virginia schools.

In an April 7 release, Spanberger's office said the new legislation will provide support for high school career and technical education programs, while making it easier to apply for financial aid and creating more pathways for parents to participate in course selection.

This comes months after an executive order from Spanberger on her first day in office, which was put forth to strengthen K-12 schools as well as institutions of higher learning.

CBS6 (Richmond): New laws involving Virginia schools: Gov. Spanberger signs another batch of bipartisan bills

Gov. Abigail Spanberger has signed more legislation focusing on schools into Virginia law, according to a news release from her office.

Last week, the governor announced the signing of multiple bills focused on student safety and teacher training. Tuesday, her office announced the signing of bills related to strengthening schools, student support and student health. The news release says the bills passed either unanimously or with bipartisan support.

WAVY (Norfolk): Governor Abigail Spanberger signs several bills to help Virginia schools

Governor Abigail Spanberger signed several bills to help Virginia schools. Her office says the new bills will support career and education programs in high schools. It will also make it easier to apply for financial aid and create more pathways for parents to participate in course selection.

13News Now (Norfolk): Governor Abigail Spanberger signs several bills to strengthen schools

Governor Abigail Spanberger has signed several bills to strengthen schools. That includes legislation from state Senator Danny Diggs, which focuses the training of school security officers on emergency procedures and responding behavioral threats in schools, as well as a bill to strengthen the administration of standards of learning assessments.

Last week, the governor signed other bills aimed at school safety.

NBC29 (Charlottesville): Governor Spanberger signs bipartisan bills to strengthen schools and support students

Governor Abigail Spanberger has signed a bill from Delegate Amy Laufer into law. It was among a group of bipartisan bills aimed at strengthening support for schools and students.

HB1086 encourages schools to buy fresh ingredients for school meals for Virginia farmers and producers. Delegate Laufer's bill passed unanimously.

WVVA (Bluefield): Spanberger signs more than 20 bills to strengthen Virginia schools

Spanberger signed more than 20 bills with bipartisan support to make sure students are set up for long-term success by prioritizing child safety and health.

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"As governor, I will work to make sure every student in Virginia schools gets an education that sets them up for success," Spanberger said. "These bills are a great start, and there's a lot more to come."

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BACKGROUND

These actions follow last week's announcement that the Governor signed other bipartisan school safety legislation to ensure Virginia teachers have the resources and training to respond to emergencies. These include strengthening training on red flag laws, helping teachers identify student mental health challenges, and modernizing internet safety education.

In March, the Governor launched her Administration's "Commonwealth Listening Tour" in Hampton with a roundtable discussion focused on setting Virginia students up for success and supporting Virginia teachers who help kids reach their full potential.

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