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Committee Approves Letter Grade System For Virginia Schools

By: Michael Pope // January 31, 2013
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Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell is celebrating a major victory for his education package.

The House Education Committee voted 14-6 to advance legislation that would direct the Virginia Department of Education to develop a system of grading public schools on an A-F scale. Del. Tag Greason (R-Loudoun County), who supports the bill, says an easy-to-understand way of rating school performance will encourage parents to get more involved.

There were a number of other schools-related bills reported out of the education panel this week. The committee endorsed an administration-backed proposal to create an Opportunity Educational Institution to take over failing schools.

Legislation overturning the "Kings Dominion Law," which would allow schools to open before Labor Day without getting permission from the Department of Education also advanced to the House floor. A bill to require armed resource officers in every school was sent to the Appropriations Committee.

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