Authority: School Improvement: § 22.1-253.13:1 et seq., Code of Virginia; P. L. 107-110, Federal Code.
School Nutrition: §§ 22.1-24, 22.1-89.1, and 22.1-207.3, Code of Virginia; P.L. 79-396, P.L. 89-642, P.L. 95-627, as amended, P.L. 108-265, Federal Code.
Pupil Transportation: Title 22.1, Chapter 12, and Title 46.2, Code of Virginia; P. L. 103-272 and P.L. 109-20, Federal Code.
A. This appropriation includes $1,100,183 the first year and $1,100,183 the second year from the general fund for contractual services related to assisting schools that do not meet the Standards of Accreditation as prescribed by the Board of Education.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 2.2-1502.1, Code of Virginia, the Board of Education, in cooperation with the Department of Planning and Budget, is authorized to invite a school division to participate in the school efficiency review program described in § 2.2-1502.1, Code of Virginia, as a component of a division level academic review pursuant to § 22.1-253.13:3, Code of Virginia.
C. 1. Out of this appropriation, $1,922,461 the first year and $1,922,461 the second year from the general fund is provided to the Office of School Quality to assist low performing schools.
2. The Department of Education shall submit an initial report that contains: (i) the level of staffing, amount of funding, and opportunities and challenges of the Office for FY 2023 and FY 2024; (ii) the planned organizational structure, staffing, and resource needs of the Office over the next five years; (iii) the goals and expected outcomes of the Office and how the Office will collaborate with staff and units within the Department of Education to support schools based on their specific needs; and (iv) a plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the Office, including feedback from school divisions and stakeholders to determine both the impact and quality of the assistance received.
3. The Superintendent shall submit the initial report by July 1, 2024, to the Chairs of the Senate Education and Health and Finance and Appropriations Committees, and the Chairs of the House Education and Appropriations Committees. The Superintendent shall submit a report on the progress of implementing the goals of the Office by June 1, 2025. Funding for the first year and second year shall be unallotted and the Department of Planning and Budget shall transfer funds allocated to the Office in the corresponding year upon submission of the reports.