Jamie Soltis talks about teacher pay, AI, student mental health and more in a Q&A with Cardinal News.
Meghan Mangrum
Meghan covers education for Cardinal News. She can be reached at meghan@cardinalnews.org or 407-864-8484.
Virginia communities race to get 1% sales tax for school construction on the ballot
Proponents say the additional money could help cash-strapped communities fix aging school facilities, but how much revenue would be collected and whether voters will agree is still unknown.
Extra Credit: Appalachian School of Law welcomes largest incoming class in 15 years
Plus: A new Lynchburg mentorship project seeks volunteers, and students will be able to take the SAT during the school day.
Extra Credit: Virginia looks to overhaul annual standardized tests
Plus: The new head of the nation’s largest teachers union got her start in Louisa County, and free school supply events are being held across the region.
Extra Credit: Sweet Briar College raises $14 million, surpassing 125th anniversary fundraising goal
Plus: Roanoke College launches three-year cannabis studies program, Virginia Tech continues search for its next president and more.
Buchanan County schools targeted by school construction scam
Local officials have not said how much money was targeted or how much was ultimately recovered.
Youth rescue camp aims to inspire Virginia’s next generation of first responders
More than 40 kids attended last month’s camp, which is part of the Virginia Association of First Responders’ efforts to bolster fire and rescue recruitment efforts.
Merger talks for Appalachian School of Law continue amid Buchanan County leadership turmoil
Local funding for the financially strapped school has been a point of contention between the board of supervisors and the county IDA.
Extra Credit: First day of school is on the horizon for Virginia students
Plus: Bedford adopts clear-bag policy for athletic events, Verizon gives away free backpacks, science lab coming to higher ed center.
Virginia’s first adult high school celebrates its first graduate
Brittany Mills, a mother of two from Rocky Mount, earned her high school diploma at Roanoke’s Excel Center 19 years after leaving school. Next, she plans to tackle community college.

