This Week In The Commonwealth

Parents have a right to know what’s going on in their child’s lives, especially in schools. Overdoses that occur on school grounds or are connected to the school must lead to an immediate parental notification. It took too long to notify parents of student overdoses in Loudoun County. That’s why Governor Youngkin issued an executive order to ensure school divisions notify all parents of school-connected overdoses within 24 hours, work closely with law enforcement to prevent overdoses, and enhance student education about the dangers of abusing drugs.

Hatred, intolerance, and antisemitism have no place in Virginia. That’s why Governor Youngkin issued an executive order to combat Antisemitism and anti-religious bigotry. As Governor, the safety and security of all Virginians is of paramount concern.

Last week, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin had the opportunity to see beautiful Southwest Virginia in its peak Autumn colors while visiting Bristol, Virginia for the Rural Summit. This two-day conference was hosted for local and state government leaders, practitioners, educators, and community members, all collectively strategizing to find ways to improve the quality of life for Southwest Virginians. With panel discussions, speakers, and roundtable conversations, attendees learned about the successes and current shortcomings of government-community partnerships and ways that these bonds can be improved. As emphasized in the First Lady’s speech and in the roundtable discussion, it is clear that the need for quality educational opportunities, affordable childcare availability, workforce readiness programs, and continued collaboration between community and government organizations is absolutely crucial.

Encouragingly, while visiting Southwest Virginia, the First Lady also had the opportunity to break ground on the new Regional Workforce and Childcare Development Hub. This $25 million public-private partnership will transform a former Kmart space into an 87,000-square-foot developmental space. It will provide a reliable childcare center that can admit up to 300 children, offer career exploration opportunities, and additional skills-based training for the next generation of the workforce. Expected to touch the lives of 30,000 K-12 students in Southwest Virginia, attract new employers, and help retain current residents, this building will aid in addressing many of the barriers to economic and career growth that rural Virginia faces.

The ALL IN VA partnership between Louisa County schools, community partners, and parents will help improve attendance, literacy, and learning for Virginia students. Together, we will accomplish great things to deliver the education our students so richly deserve.