Governor McDonnell’s Educator Fairness Act Passes Senate

Governor will sign the legislation as soon as it gets to his desk

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement regarding passage of The House version of his Educator Fairness Act today in the Senate. The legislation, passed today on a bipartisan 32-8 vote, is now on its way to the governor. The Educator Fairness Act was part of the governor’s All Students K-12 legislative agenda. The Educator Fairness Act extends the probationary window for teachers from 3 to up to 5 years, to allow for a more thoughtful examination of teachers being awarded continuing contract status, and to allow for an extended period of mentoring for new teachers. It also provides for a definition of incompetence to include one or more unsatisfactory performance evaluations and defines the relationship between the evaluation and the contract. This act will streamline the grievance procedure and will allow for an expedited decision to inform the teacher of the final outcome.

“I am grateful for members of both parties who worked together and passed the Educator Fairness Act, to reform Virginia’s teacher contract and grievance system. I plan to sign this legislation as soon as it gets to my desk. The vote in the Senate today shows what can happen when members of both parties set aside their differences in order to improve the overall learning environment for all students in the Commonwealth. These reforms will result in teacher contracts that are fairer, clearer and will result in giving our students more capable and better-trained educators in the classroom.”

 

Statement of Speaker William J. Howell on Senate Amendments to House Bill 259

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) released the following statement Wednesday on Senate Amendments to House Bill 259: "Today, Senate Amendments to House Bill 259 were brought before the Virginia House of Delegates. A point of order was raised on the germaneness of those amendments. As Speaker of the House, it is my responsibility to make rulings on such questions when they arise.

"The Senate Amendments presented were not germane to the original legislation. House Bill 259, as unanimously passed by the House of Delegates last year, made technical adjustments to House legislative districts. The amendments offered by the Senate, however, made substantive and far-reaching changes to Senate legislative district lines.

"As Speaker, I have consistently ruled amendments or substitute legislation which significantly departs from, changes or alters the purpose and intent of the original legislation as non germane, in accordance with the rules of the House of Delegates.

"While I respect the prerogative of the Senate and its members to deal with issues before that body, this legislation is in violation of House rules and the principles by which I have lead this body over the last 10 years.

"This is not a decision I made lightly. I am committed to upholding the honor and traditions of both the office of Speaker, the institution as a whole and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

"It is my hope today that we can refocus on the issues facing the Commonwealth. Jobs, K-12 Education and transportation will require all of our attention and energy over the final weeks of this legislative session."

Governor Calls for Action on Transportation

New Study Confirms that Virginia’s Traffic is Among the Nation’s Worst

House and Senate Vote Today on Transportation Proposals

RICHMOND – Citing a new study on congestion that confirms Virginia traffic is among the nation’s worst, Governor Bob McDonnell called for affirmative action today by the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates on transportation funding bills (HB2313/SB1355).

“The Texas Transportation Institute report released today confirms what Virginians already know: they face the worst traffic conditions in the country. Congestion in Northern Virginia and the rest of the Washington region is the worst in the country, with drivers losing 67 hours in delays a year at a annual cost of almost $1400 per commuter.  The region is also the #1 in fuel wasted per driver, excess carbon dioxide emitted, and cost of congestion per driver.  Since misery loves company, other parts of Virginia joined the congestion list.  The Virginia Beach region is ranked #20 worst in the country and the Richmond region is #60.  This is simply unacceptable,” said Governor McDonnell.

“Congestion is hurting our families, our economy and our way of life.  For too long we have kicked the can while Virginians have sat in traffic. And the problems we face have only gotten worse. Today the House and Senate have the opportunity to change that. They have the opportunity to act to finally address and solve our transportation challenges. I urge the entire membership to put aside regional, partisan and personal differences to once and for all  address this daunting challenge to our prosperity and our  future, “ continued the Governor. “We must act decisively and we must act now to pass comprehensive transportation funding reform. Today is the day Virginia must act.”

According to the Texas Transportation Institute 2012 Urban Mobility Report:

  • Congestion in Northern Virginia/Washington region is the worst in the country.  Drivers face 67 hours of  delay per year, costing $1398 per driver and wasting 32 gallons of gas.
  • Congestion in the region around Virginia Beach is the 20th worst in the country.  Drivers face 43 hours of  delay per year, costing $877 per driver and wasting 19 gallons of gas.
  • Congestion in the Richmond area is the 60th worst in the country.  Drivers face 29 hours of  delay per year, costing $581 per driver and wasting 12 gallons of gas.
  • While this congestion cripples our economy and hurts our citizens’ pocket books, it also hurts the environment, producing 631 pounds of CO2 per driver in D.C., 373 pounds of CO2 per driver in Virginia Beach, and 234 pounds of CO2 per driver in Richmond.

The full report can be found at: http://d2dtl5nnlpfr0r.cloudfront.net/tti.tamu.edu/documents/mobility-report-2012.pdf

Governor McDonnell Issues Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Proclamation

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following proclamation recognizing today, January 21 as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Virginia. The proclamation is available online at http://www.governor.virginia.gov/OurCommonwealth/Proclamations/viewproc.cfm?id=239

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

WHEREAS, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-the iconic leader of the American Civil Rights Movement and one of the most influential and powerful orators for peace, equality and human rights in world history-was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia and continues to live in the hearts, minds and souls of the people of our Commonwealth, these United States and the world; and

WHEREAS, throughout his life, Dr. King's transcendent words and actions inspired in countless millions a shared vision of a future promised land in which people are not segregated along racial lines but are instead united in a "beautiful symphony of brotherhood" by which all people are judged "by the content of their character"; and

WHEREAS, understanding that all forms of prejudice are in clear and direct contradiction with the basic tenets of ethics and morality, Dr. King sacrificed his life to spread a message of universal equality and justice that touched the soul of a nation, and for his efforts to end racial segregation and discrimination through civil disobedience and other nonviolent means-such as his heroic leadership in the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957, and the 1963 March on Washington-he was awarded the Noble Peace Prize in 1964 and widespread recognition as an embodiment of the God-given, inalienable rights outlined in the Constitution of the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, people throughout the world continue to be inspired by Dr. King's vision and words, his strength of character and compassion, and his model for peaceful demonstration and dialogue, and his efforts in the struggle for civil human rights have persisted since his assassination in 1968 and will continue until his dream of absolute freedom, equality and justice for all is actualized;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize January 21, 2013 as MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

 

Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on the Anniversary of the Enactment of Virginia’s Statute for Religious Freedom

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement on the anniversary of the enactment of Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom on January 16, 1786. He has also issued a proclamation recognizing today as Religious Freedom Day in the Commonwealth. The proclamation was read on the floor of the Senate today by Senator Bill Stanley and on the floor of the House by Delegate Chris Peace. The proclamation is available at http://www.governor.virginia.gov/OurCommonwealth/Proclamations/viewproc.cfm?id=238 “The enactment of Virginia’s Statute of Religious Freedom marked the first formal declaration of religious freedom in America. The promise of that freedom, later enshrined in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, has made us a beacon of liberty for the world.  Virginia's statute remains in place today, and the importance of recognizing and protecting religious liberty has not diminished over the years. It defines our nation. The author of Virginia’s statute, Thomas Jefferson, recognized the importance of those words, choosing his authorship as one of only three accomplishments to be listed on his headstone. I have declared today, January 16, 2013, Religious Freedom Day in our Commonwealth, and I ask all of our citizens to pause and reflect on those freedoms, first articulated and enacted by Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia General Assembly, that we now hold so dear.”

Peace Introduces Transportation Related Measures Vital to the Richmond Region

-- Bills focus on representation on the Commonwealth Transportation Board

and tolling authority-- 

Central VA –As the 2013 session of the Virginia General Assembly has begun Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) is working hard to represent the 97th District.  Peace has introduced and co-patroned legislation pertaining to transportation important to the District and the Metro Richmond region. 

House Bill 2196, introduced by Peace, requires approval by the General Assembly prior to tolling any Interstate Highway System component in operation prior to July 1, 2013, except for HOV lanes and HOT lanes.

Under the current process, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) must first submit an expression of interest to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) tolling and pricing team, then following FHWA review and evaluation, VDOT must submit a formal application to the Interstate System Reconstruction & Rehabilitation Pilot Program.  A process Virginia has accessed to gain approval for tolls on I-95. 

“The current tolling approval procedures eliminate input from legislators elected to represent the citizen voice in government operations.  My bill will serve to assure that residents of the Commonwealth are represented in this important decision making process,” asserted Peace.

“The General Assembly, not the Virginia Department of Transportation, was elected to represent the people of Virginia, and this bill allows legislators to uphold their duty to represent their constituents’ interests.  A toll is a tax, and taxing authority lies under the authority of the General Assembly,” said Dale Bennett, President and CEO of the Virginia Trucking Association.  “I commend Delegate Peace for taking a stand on such an important issue.”

Peace is the Chief Co Patron of House Bill 2049, a measure that increases the total membership of the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) from 17 to 20 members.  The CTB establishes the administrative policies for Virginia's transportation system and allocates highway funding to specific projects, locates routes and provides funding for airports, seaports and public transportation.

Speaking to the measure, “It is vital to job creation and economic growth in the Metro Richmond region to have an equal voice on the CTB.  Additional seats will facilitate approval of transportation projects important to commerce in the region.” 

“This legislation will provide the Golden Crescent, the economic engine of Virginia, with more representation on the transportation decision making body which will help assure that transportation resources are allocated to further economic development in the Commonwealth for the benefit of all Virginians,” stated Delegate Tom Rust (R-Fairfax). 

“I commend Delegates Peace for working with his peers in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia, as well as Governor McDonnell’s administration, to develop this proposal to help address this important issue for our region.  For the past three years, the RRPDC’s legislative program has included a concern that the Richmond Region has historically been underrepresented on the CTB.  Under the current configuration, the region only has one of the 14 seats, even though two out of every 14 Virginians reside here.  HB 2409 will guarantee the Richmond Region has at least two of 17 seats, which better reflects our population, said Robert A. Crum, Jr., Executive Director of the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission.  

Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his fourth term representing the 97th District of the Virginia House of Delegates.  The District includes parts of Hanover, King William, and all of New Kent County.

 

 

Delegate Peace Submits Legislation on Behalf of King William County

-- Board requests being carried by Peace--

Central VA –King William County recently requested Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) assist in addressing a concern relating to the cost of the electoral process in the County.  In response, Delegate Peace has introduced budget language focused on this matter.  

Budget language submitted by Peace asks the Commonwealth to fully reimburse King William County for the costs associated with the conduction of party primaries, Presidential primaries and the functions of the General Registrar and Electoral Board. 

Speaking to the amendments, “Preservation of our electoral procedures is vital to encouraging citizen involvement in the democratic process.  King William County does an outstanding job in implementing efficient procedures as well as educating and communicating with citizens.” 

Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his fourth term representing the 97th District of the Virginia House of Delegates.  The District includes parts of Hanover, King William, and all of New Kent County.

 

Delegate Peace Joins the Board of the Faith and Freedom Coalition

-- Coalition encourages citizen involvement in government process-- 

Central VA –The Faith and Freedom Coalition recently requested Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) sit on their Board.  This position recognizes Peace’s support of the virtues of faith, hard work, marriage, family, personal responsibility, and helping the least among us.

Delegate Peace, speaking to the appointment, “I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve an organization that champions the values of life, marriage, limited government, and religious liberty.  It is my honor to serve the 97th district and to represent our shared common values.” 

Speaking to the announcement, Jason Miyares, acting Chairman of the board stated, "Delegate Peace is one of the Commonwealth's leading conservative voices and we are so glad to have him join our team as we work to turnout a historic number of faith-based conservatives to the polls in a gubernatorial election this November."

According to their website, Faith and Freedom Coalition is a non-profit organization committed to educating, equipping, and mobilizing people of faith and like-minded individuals to be effective citizens.

To learn more about the Faith and Freedom Coalition please visit: http://ffcoalition.com

Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his fourth term representing the 97th District of the Virginia House of Delegates.  The District includes parts of Hanover, King William, and all of New Kent County.

 

 

, ,

2013 Legislative Survey

, ,

It has been an honor and a privilege to work for the citizens of the 97th House District. Working together, we have accomplished many things for our community and our Commonwealth.

As we begin the 2013 legislative session, I hope you will take a few moments to share with me your thoughts on some of the issues facing the General Assembly.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this questionnaire.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance. For questions or concerns, I may be reached at 804-698-1097 or via e-mail at delcpeace@house.virginia.gov

Click to take Delegate Peace's 2013 Legislative Survey

House Republicans Propose Expanded Funding for School Resource Officer Grant Program

RICHMOND, VA -- Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford), Majority Leader M. Kirkland "Kirk" Cox (R-Colonial Heights) and Delegate Beverly J. Sherwood (R-Winchester), Chair of the House Appropriations Public Safety Subcommittee, announced Thursday that Republicans in the House of Delegates will propose expanding a school resource officer grant program when the General Assembly convenes in January. "The tragedy in Connecticut is heartbreaking. As the Newtown community begins a healing process that will last longer than we can ever imagine, our thoughts naturally turn to our own children," said Speaker William J. Howell. "We must look closely at everything we can to make sure our children, schools and communities are safe. This includes evaluating school safety, our mental health laws and services, and our gun laws."

"Today, we are announcing our intent to expand funding for a school resource officer grant program to encourage the creation of school resource officer positions in Virginia elementary schools. This is a critical step toward making sure all of our schools are as safe as possible," said Speaker Howell.

The already-existing grant program promotes establishing school resource officers. The program will be expanded through an amendment to the biennial budget.

"Classrooms are a place for developing a love for learning, not violence. We must do everything we can to keep it that way," said House Majority Leader Kirk Cox. "School resource officers play a vital role in promoting safety and educating our young people about drugs, violence and a host of other issues. They are often community members whom children look to as mentors and role models. Fully-integrated school resource officers are the eyes and ears of our schools. Their awareness and training adds an important safety dimension to our school systems that cannot be understated."

House Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Beverly J. Sherwood pointed to the success of the program in creating school resource officer positions in the past.

"When this program was originally established, the intent was to promote establishing school resource officers in high schools and middle schools. Today, 80 percent of Virginia's high schools and middle schools have full-time school resource officers. Unfortunately, only about 25 percent of elementary schools have assigned school resource officers, many of which serve multiple schools," said Delegate Sherwood. "The expansion of this program will encourage the hiring of full-time school resource officers in Virginia elementary schools."

Governor McDonnell Issues Executive Order Establishing School and Campus Safety Task Force

~Establishes Task Force to Conduct Comprehensive Review of School Safety Best Practices, Assess Needs and Identify Funding Challenges to Assist Localities, School Divisions, and Colleges and Universities in Ensuring Virginia’s Schools Are Safe at All Levels~ RICHMOND – In accordance with his verbal directive on Monday, Governor Bob McDonnell issued Executive Order 56 today establishing a multidisciplinary task force to review school and campus safety in light of the horrific and senseless murders that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut on December 14. He has also established a separate mental health workgroup chaired by Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and Secretary of Health and Human Resources Dr. Bill Hazel.

The task force will be co-chaired by the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Public Safety, and the Secretary of Health and Human  Resources. Its membership will include representatives from state agencies, law enforcement, health care entities, public and private education systems and the private sector. These leaders and professionals will review information, discuss best practices and identify vulnerabilities in order to ensure that Virginia is providing the safest possible learning environment for our students.

Speaking about the tragedy at Sandy Hook and the establishment of the task force, Governor McDonnell said, “Like most Americans, especially parents with children, my wife and I sat in stunned and tearful disbelief at the unfathomable shooting of 20 innocent little children and their six educators in Connecticut last week. Even with raw emotions still running so high, it is prudent to begin to consider reasonable policy changes. Public safety is a primary responsibility of every level of government. In the aftermath of the horrific and senseless shootings, I have asked all local and state leaders that play a role in school or campus safety to review the procedures, plans, policies and resources dedicated to this effort.

“In our ever-changing environment, it is incumbent upon us to continue to ensure that we are doing everything in our power to provide a safe learning environment in our schools and on our campuses. We have an obligation to all students, parents, teachers, administrators, support staff and every citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia to provide a safe environment for those who seek a quality education and those who help us provide it.

“I have communicated with Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy to offer our sympathies for the loss of children, faculty and staff in this tragic event and its impact on the families, friends and community at large. In addition, both my Chief of Staff, Martin Kent, and the Superintendent of State Police, Steve Flaherty, have reached out separately to their counterparts in Connecticut to offer assistance based upon our experiences and multiple reforms connected with the tragic Virginia Tech shootings of April 16, 2007. I have directed today that all Virginia agency heads be ready to help their peers in Connecticut. This is a time to be fully supportive of our friends in Connecticut who are grieving deeply and to continue to learn how to make all schools as safe and secure as possible.

“I have ordered a detailed and thorough review of school and campus safety to identify areas of needed improvement and critical resource needs at the state, local, school division and college/university levels to ensure that we are doing everything humanly possible to keep our children, young people, educators, administrators and staff safe while they are in the classroom and on our campuses. We must also have a broader American conversation about personal responsibility, mental health, firearms safety, respect for human life and the need to improve conflict resolution to reduce violence in our society.

“The thoughts and prayers of the people of Virginia remain with the families forever impacted by this tragedy, and with the teachers, first responders and all others touched by the events of last Friday. While we all seek answers surrounding the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy, it is incumbent upon me, as governor, to ask our leaders and experts to rationally and thoroughly review our system. We have already received some suggestions from qualified experts in public safety and education about ways we can increase safety in our classrooms. While we should be wary of undertaking any policy changes clouded by the expected emotions of anger, disbelief and deep sorrow we are all feeling following this tragic loss, it is incumbent upon our policy makers, educators, public safety experts and our citizenry to have an honest and thoughtful discussion and create an action plan concerning what measures can be implemented that will actually work to improve safety for our students. I look forward to the recommendations of these experts as they complete the responsibilities of the task force.”

The task force shall commence its work promptly and send initial recommendations no later than January 31, 2013 so the General Assembly and I can consider them this session. The task force shall make additional recommendations on an ongoing basis and shall provide a final report on all aspects of the executive order to the governor no later than June 30, 2013, so that recommended actions can be implemented before the new school year begins.

The full text of Executive Order 56 can be found here: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/PolicyOffice/ExecutiveOrders/

 

Governor McDonnell Announces Proposed Amendments to the 2012-2014 Budget

– Invests in Core Functions of Government Including Transportation, Education, Public Safety and the Environment; Does Not Raise Taxes –

Increases Rainy Day Fund to $740 Million; Eliminates 98% of Accelerated Sales Tax; Eliminates Entire Local Government Budget cut of $45 Million

 

McDonnell: “Solving major challenges takes bipartisan effort and leadership in both branches to make the difficult choices and set the right priorities. Two major policy challenges I want to address in budget and law with your help are to reform and better fund transportation infrastructure and K-12 public education. This budget and this session should be aimed at fixing problems in these two areas, and laying the foundation for Virginia’s future opportunities to ensure that our citizens have greater access to the American Dream.”

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell unveiled his proposed amendments to the 2012- 2014 budget in a speech to the Joint Money Committees of the General Assembly this morning in Richmond. The governor's budget amendments capitalize on $92.7 million in agency savings, reductions in spending of $431.6 million and conservative budget forecasting to focus resources on addressing Virginia’s transportation challenges, education reforms, health care program and reserves. The amendments target state spending on the core functions of government, and on policies most directly tied to job creation and economic development, while not raising taxes.

Virginia revenue estimates, adjusted for a standard minus outlook, expect general fund revenues to grow at 3.6 percent in FY 2013 and 3.8 percent in FY 2014. Overall, the governor’s budget amendments result in a net increase in overall spending for operations of $211.4 million, including 75 amendments from either targeted or agency reduction plans for a savings of $92.7 million, 75 individual amendments which decrease spending by a total of $431.6 million, and 204 amendments which increase spending by a total of $735.7 million for the biennium.

The spending increases focus on six major themes for improving Virginia’s financial health, including:

  • Provide adequate funding for core services and reduce structural imbalances and gimmicks
  • Increase liquidity to guard against future economic uncertainty and the potential impact of federal spending reductions
  • Increase support for instructional spending on public education
  • Continue investments in higher education
  • Improve funding for transportation
  • Improve support for localities

The full text of the governor's remarks to the Joint Money Committees can be found here: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/utility/docs/Dec12JMC.pdf

Speaking about the budget amendments, Governor McDonnell said, “In these difficult times for Virginia and our country, state governments are called upon to lead the nation in fiscally responsible decisions that address the core concerns of our citizens without rhetoric, unsustainable spending practices and gridlock as displayed by our leaders in Washington. The Commonwealth has a longstanding record of working across party lines to demonstrate fiscal responsibility, accountability and restraint in our stewardship of the people’s resources.

“Since the beginning of this administration, we have eliminated $6 billion in budget shortfalls and turned those into 3 years of surpluses totaling nearly $1.4 billion, even in the face of slow growth in our tax revenues. We have not raised taxes. We have invested historic new funding into transportation and job creation, and we have made the tough choices about where limited taxpayer dollars should be directed to best spur private-sector job creation, resulting in the lowest unemployment rate in the Southeast, and the second-lowest rate east of the Mississippi River.

“The budget amendments that I am presenting today reflect the core priorities of government and our administration. They recognize the realities of this economy and the looming uncertainty that budget gridlock in Washington and the fiscal cliff are having on our economy. Yet they look forward to building upon our legacy of conservative and sound budget decisions to lay the groundwork for the future of our great Commonwealth. These amendments use the resources gleaned through agency savings, sound management practices and prioritizing our spending to reform, restructure and reinvest in programs that make government more efficient, effective and accountable. They fund key budget areas like education and transportation that lay the foundation for a prosperous future for our citizens. And they enhance cash reserves and liquidity as insurance to provide us flexibility in addressing the potential impacts of uncertain federal spending while maintaining Virginia's critically important Aaa bond rating.”

“Virginia citizens and businesses must make tough decisions every day to live within their means and our government must continue to do so as well. Though the challenges of the Great Recession and federal spending uncertainly cloud the skies, Virginia’s future remains bright. These budget amendments clear the path for prosperity while reducing regulations and promoting business-friendly policies that will help the private sector grow and create jobs here in the Commonwealth.”

Selected Highlights of the Governor's Budget Amendments in the Six Key Areas:

 

Provide adequate funding for core services and reduce structural imbalances and gimmicks

  • $64.4 million for state employee health insurance fund requirements
  • $15.5 million for inmate medical care ($14.1 million after Medicaid reimbursement)
  • $14.3 to open River North Prison in Grayson County to reduce jail and prison crowding
  • $20.8 to eliminate Accelerated Sales Tax payments for 98 percent of retailers

Increase liquidity to guard against future economic uncertainty and the potential impact of federal spending reductions

  • $50 million early deposit to the Revenue Stabilization (Rainy Day) Fund
  • $10 million to reduce exposure from not selling Brunswick prison
  • Maintain FACT fund and allow for additional deposits

Increase support for instruction spending on public education

  • $58.8 million to fund the state portion of a 2 percent pay increase for SOQ-funded teachers and other instructional school personnel
  • $4.9 million to fully fund SOQ standards for blind and visually impaired students
  • $15 million for strategic compensation grants

Continue investments in higher education

  • Tuition Assistance Grants (TAG) for undergraduate students increased to $3,100
  • $30 million in FY 2014 (in addition to more than $200 million historic investment in Appropriations Act) including:
  • Over $4.2 million to cover interest earnings and credit card rebates
  • $5.7 million for workforce development initiatives
  • $4.9 million for enrollment growth
  • $7.8 million in degree completion incentive funding
  • $3.9 million for base operating support
  • $1.9 million for financial aid
  • $1 million for research
  • $600,000 to maintain support of college room, board, books and supplies stipends through the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Program.

Improve funding for transportation

  • $48.1 million in redirecting a portion of general fund sales tax revenue to transportation

Improve support for localities

  • $45 million to restore aid to localities reduction
  • $2.1 million to fund salary increases for assistant Commonwealth’s attorneys
  • $7.5 million for BRAC support
  • $16.9 million for Water Quality Improvement Fund including
  • $2.3 million for local storm water programs
  • $14.6 million for agricultural best management practices
  • $200 million for water quality bond projects including:
  • $5 million for Hopewell
  • $59 million for combined sewer overflow projects in Richmond and Lynchburg
  • $35 million for urban storm water
  • $101 million for prior commitments and new anticipated commitments through FY 2016

A full breakdown of all the governor's budget amendments can be found here: http://www.finance.virginia.gov/KeyDocuments/JMCmaterials/JMCPresentations.cfm

The full budget document is available here: http://www.dpb.virginia.gov/

Governor McDonnell Announces Measures to Empower Our Excellent Teachers in Virginia

Calls for 2 Percent Pay Increase for All Teachers – First in 5 Years; Incentives for Teachers in STEM-H Subjects, Strategic Compensation Grants for Teachers, and other Measures to Recruit, Retain and Reward Excellent Teachers

-Part 1 of Governor’s ALL STUDENTS K-12 Legislative Agenda-

RICHMOND – Today, Governor Bob McDonnell joined Delegate Kirk Cox and former Secretary of Education Jim Dyke, leaders from the Virginia School Boards Association, Virginia Association of School Superintendents, Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals, Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals and key business leaders to announce part one of his 2013 K-12 education reform legislative agenda.

Speaking about the legislative and budget proposals announced today, Governor McDonnell said, “A good teacher makes the single largest difference in instilling a thirst for education in our young people. We must do everything we can to recruit, retain and reward excellent teachers in Virginia. Teachers are the most valuable resources we have to ensure a prosperous future in the Commonwealth. Today, I put forward several important proposals to promote the teaching profession in Virginia. In putting together this proposal, we sought input from teachers, parents, the Virginia School Boards Association, Virginia Education Association, Virginia Association of School Superintendents, Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals, Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Professional Educators, the Virginia PTA and many others.

“Virginia’s teachers are underpaid. Everyone knows a teacher who has stayed after school, worked with students during their lunch break and on weekends, and devoted all of their energy to making sure their students have every possible chance to learn. My sister is one of them. They have not had a pay increase since 2007. I will propose in my budget amendments a 2 percent pay increase for all of Virginia’s teachers. In addition, I will be asking the General Assembly to approve a total of $808,000 in incentive money to recruit and retain teachers in STEM-H subjects in middle and high school. Coupled with proposals to advance professional development and continue our focus on excellent teaching, these measures will further elevate the teaching profession in Virginia and help ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn from the best possible teachers.”

“Governor McDonnell has a great understanding of the importance of providing every child in our Commonwealth with a world-class education,” said Amanda Gibson, teacher at Salem City Schools in Salem, Virginia. “As a teacher that works with children on a daily basis, I see firsthand how children are the greatest resources we have for the future of our great Commonwealth and personally applaud Governor McDonnell’s work to ensure that all children have access to a world-class education in the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

“Today's announcement demonstrates the governor's unwavering passion for rewarding our best teachers,” said Secretary of Education Laura Fornash. “The Educator Fairness Act provides much-needed clarity around the role that the performance evaluation plays when it comes to a teacher’s ability to impact our students. Our most effective teachers should be rewarded, and those teachers experiencing challenges will be provided the necessary feedback with the goal of improving outcomes for all students. These efforts will only enhance our students’ ability to be prepared for the top jobs of the 21st Century.”

“Education is the single most important factor in determining a child’s success. All students deserve access to a quality education and an excellent teacher,” said House Majority Leader and former teacher, Delegate Kirk Cox (R-Colonia Heights). “Today’s agenda advances the professionalism of Virginia’s teachers and recognizes the critical role of educators throughout the Commonwealth.”

Former Virginia Secretary of Education Jim Dyke said, “Every student deserves an excellent teacher. Excellent teachers result from quality preparation, constructive evaluations and continuing professional development. These proposals move us aggressively toward a pathway to success. Students must have our bipartisan support to make that pathway a reality.”

Virginia Association of School Superintendents incoming president Pat Russo said, “Many Virginia teachers have worked without state-supported salary increases for more than four years, watching their paychecks shrink in the face of increasing health insurance costs and higher retirement premiums. This state-funded initiative begins to remedy that problem and we are pleased to hear the announcement.”

Mrs. Deborah Frazier, principal of Harrison Road Elementary School in Spotsylvania County and president of the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals said, “VAESP is especially delighted to see that mentoring is recognized as a valuable and critical ingredient in the success of principals in their first essential years. We feel that principals typically operate as lone decision makers on many issues in their schools and are often in search of peers who could offer insight and wisdom in solving problems. Mentoring programs are highly effective and cost-effective ways to reinforce and extend the novice principals’ academic preparation, close possible gaps in training, and share best practices between novice and veteran principals.”

Keith Perrigan, principal at Patrick Henry High School in Washington County said, “The Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals stands with the governor in expressing our support for a legislative plan that maintains respect for continuing contract status for instructional personnel, recognizes the need to retain the best teachers for our students and streamlines the procedure for dismissal of ineffective teachers. Our association supports professionas being afforded fair but expedited due process procedures in decisions that affect employment and reputation.”

On behalf of the Virginia Association of School Boards, John Lumpkins said, “The governor's proposal allows time for a teacher to demonstrate appropriate student academic progress.  This extended period is a huge positive for the teaching profession.  It will raise the quality of Virginia’s teachers by ensuring a thorough and rigorous evaluation process based upon a review of a larger and more valid data set before a division makes the decision to grant a teacher a continuing contract or to separate the teacher from employment.”

“To be competitive in a global economy, Virginia’s educational system must prepare students to meet the critical workforce needs of businesses in the future,” said Ned Massee, chairman of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. “An essential component to having a well-trained workforce is quality teachers. The governor’s ‘All Students’ agenda is important for developing a workforce that can compete in the 21st Century economy.”

“The VirginiaPTA is encouraged by the governor's newly released K-12 initiatives,” said Anne Carson, president of VirginiaPTA. “We support the empowerment of teachers as they remain committed to the success of students across the Commonwealth.”

ALL STUDENTS: Empowering Excellent Teachers

2% SALARY INCREASE FOR VIRGINIA’S PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS: Governor McDonnell will propose $58.7 million in FY 2014 to support state share of cost equivalent to a 2 percent salary increase for funded SOQ instructional positions, effective July 1, 2013.

  • Includes teachers, guidance counselors, librarians, instructional aides, principals, and assistant principals. Participation is optional but requires a local match in order to receive the state funding.
  • Salary increase is contingent on passage of the Educator Fairness Act.
  • Last state-supported salary increase for public school employees occurred in FY 2008, with a 3 percent increase for all positions, effective on December 1, 2007.

STEM-H INCENTIVES: Governor McDonnell’s proposal includes $808,000 to attract, recruit, and retain high-quality individuals to teach science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM-H) subjects in Virginia’s middle and high schools.

  • Successful teachers selected to participate in the pilot program will be eligible to receive a $5,000 initial incentive award after the completion of the first year of teaching with a satisfactory performance evaluation and a contract for the following year.
  • An additional $1,000 incentive award may be granted for each year the eligible teacher receives a satisfactory evaluation and teaches middle education 6-8 mathematics, mathematics-algebra I, mathematics, middle education 6-8 science, biology, chemistry, earth and space science, physics, and technology education for up to three years in a middle or high school in a Virginia school division.

STRATEGIC COMPENSATION GRANT INITIATIVE: Governor McDonnell will propose $15 million to award competitive grants to school divisions for the design and implementation of compensation systems for teachers that provide incentives that are tailored to each participating school division’s strategic goals and objectives.

  • The grants would allow school divisions to award incentive payments to effective teachers who meet the school division’s strategic compensation criteria, or to reward effective teacher leaders assuming additional responsibilities or priority assignments.  For example, the grants could reward teachers who help students make significant academic progress; reward teacher leaders assuming additional responsibilities, such serving as teacher mentors; pay incentives to effective teachers with needed expertise willing to transfer to hard-to-staff or low-performing schools; or reward effective teachers who are assigned to teach critical shortage areas, such as mathematics and special education.
  • The proposed Strategic Compensation Grants Initiative would provide incentive grants to approximately 3,000 teachers.

EDUCATOR FAIRNESS ACT: Excellent educators in Virginia provide students a world-class education. We must do more to reward and recognize those excellent educators.

  • The Educator Fairness Act will extend the probationary window for teachers from 3 to 5 years to allow for a much more thoughtful examination and development of those teachers being awarded continuing contract status.
  • Further, this legislation will provide for a definition of incompetence to include one or more unsatisfactory performance evaluations and will define the relationship between the evaluation and the contract.
  • Educators overwhelmingly submit the need for grievance reform. This act will streamline the grievance procedure and will allow for an expedited decision to inform the teacher of the final outcome.

TEACHER CABINET: Executive Order to establish the Virginia Teacher Cabinet. This advisory group will directly advise the Governor, Secretary of Education and State Board of Education on all issues related to the teaching profession.

  • The Teacher Cabinet will be comprised of teachers from each superintendent region of the Commonwealth.
  • The Virginia Teacher of the Year will serve in an ex-officio role on the cabinet.
  • The cabinet will provide an annual report to the governor on the “State of Teaching in Virginia.”

GOVERNOR'S CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING: Governor McDonnell will propose to establish the Governor’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and the Governor’s Academies for Excellent Teaching.

  • The Virginia Department of Education will partner with one Institution of Higher Education (IHE) to establish summer Academies for Excellence in Teaching for exemplary teachers in Kindergarten through Grade 12.  The academies will be designed to improve and expand the quality of instruction and enhance enthusiasm for teaching. Successful completion of an academy will include graduate course credit in educational policy and instructional leadership.
  • The Governor’s Academies for Excellent Teaching will provide professional development opportunities for exemplary teachers seeking to improve their instruction, knowledge of educational policy, and capacity to provide instructional leadership.
  • The residential summer program will be offered as a five-day summer residential academy with five follow-up Saturday meetings, for a total of 80 instructional hours, including five credits in educational policy and instructional leadership.

 

ABOUT ALL STUDENTS: The ALL STUDENTS initiative is about bringing attention to the critical role K-12 education plays in our communities and our economy. We must be willing to consider strategies and structures that have been proven to address the achievement gap that continues to exist in the Commonwealth. We have a responsibility to ensure graduation rates rise and the rigor of our classroom challenges ALL STUDENTS. We have a responsibility to measure results and attainment by embedding innovation in our education system. We have a responsibility to ensure ALL STUDENTS have the opportunity to learn. I encourage you to take a few minutes and visit www.ALLSTUDENTS.Virginia.Gov.