Senate rejects new school standards delay, fight continues in budget talks
A carpet designed with Virginia and the rest of the United States lies inside a classroom. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury)
A decision to delay the implementation of a new accountability system this fall for Virginia's schools will come down to budget negotiations after a Democratic-led effort to delay its rollout failed in the Senate on Tuesday.
The legislation, carried by Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Richmond, fell short in a 17-22 vote, with some Democrats breaking ranks to oppose the measure.
Critics of the Virginia Department of Education's (VDOE) new School Performance and Support Framework argue the plan lacks transparency, provides no clear resources for struggling schools, and fails to account for English language learners who need more preparation time before assessments.
They also slammed the system's development for excluding key voices, including school officials, board members, and parents.
Supporters counter that the framework is a necessary step, addressing learning loss and fostering stronger education programs — rather than relying solely on accreditation for improvement.
Hashmi warned the transition is happening too abruptly, without a phased rollout.
'Usually what happens when a new model of any kind of assessment in any industry, in any profession is rolled out, you do it in an appropriate way, where you have the older model still continuing forward, with a new model in place as well. But that is not going to happen,' she said.
'Our schools are being thrown immediately, this fall, into a new accountability system, and they have not had this year to adequately prepare for it,' Hashmi added.
Senate Bill 979, sought to delay the rollout by one year amid concerns about the overhaul's clarity and impact. The effort followed a failed push by Northern Virginia school districts last year to slow the transition, with educators calling for clearer performance measures and targeted support plans for struggling schools.
Hashmi worked with VDOE officials to fine-tune the legislation, ensuring it wouldn't jeopardize federal funding and compliance. A late amendment would have required the VDOE to seek revisions to the state plan if the bill passed, but it wasn't enough to sway the Senate.
Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg, D-Henrico, a public school teacher, was among the Democrats who opposed the delay, arguing that Virginia schools have seen too many shifts in accountability standards.
'We should put this in place so that we can work out the kinks,' VanValkenburg said. 'We've had three accountability systems in 10 years, and that does harm to kids.'
Republicans also rejected the delay, aligning with Gov. Glenn Youngkin's push for stronger academic expectations and increased accountability.
'As a parent, I can't help but think when it comes to accountability, if my kid is not thriving … I want to know,' said Sen. Tara Durant, R-Fredericksburg. 'We've got to first be able to take a look at it and say where are the problems. It's not designed to shame teachers or school districts, but we've got to know if there are kinks to work out.'
Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin, warned that postponing the system would mean another year of lost opportunities for students. He also emphasized that Virginia's revised plan had already been approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
'If there's one thing that we're responsible for when we're in this body, it's the future of the commonwealth of Virginia,' Stanley said. 'The future of the commonwealth of Virginia lies within our students. They are our future. If we pass this bill, we are passing the buck, and when we pass the buck on our children, we lose, and they especially lose.'
Hashmi said she was 'disappointed' that the companion bill had not been taken up in the House before the crossover.
On Sunday, however, the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee rolled out a budget amendment including language that would delay the system until the 2026-27 school year and establish an advisory committee to review the proposed system.
The proposal did not include the governor's $50 million proposal to help support schools most in need.
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