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Uniting Virginia through Literacy
Choosing a Reading Curriculum that Works In 2022 the Virginia legislature passed The Virginia Literacy Act, often referred to as VLA. It...
Cheryl Binkley
Jan 11, 20243 min read
New Year, New Leadership at 4PE
2023 was a busy year for 4 Public Education. In addition to our presence at school board meetings, key education events, and a robust...
Cheryl Binkley and Vanessa Hall
Jan 5, 20244 min read
Governor Youngkin's Budget Disappoints the Commonwealth
The Board of 4 Public Education is disappointed with the proposed budget released by Governor Youngkin on December 20, 2023. It seems...
4PE Team
Dec 28, 20232 min read
Underfunded Education: The Crisis We Can't Ignore
Preparing for the 2024 General Assembly: Public Education Priorities The verdict is in. Not only is Virginia seriously underfunding its...
Marianne Burke, PhD
Nov 28, 20232 min read
School Board Matters: Blue Skies and Smiles Shining So Bright
November 9, 2023 School Board meetings have become ground zero for the culture wars, so 4 Public Education is introducing a new blog...
Vanessa Hall
Nov 15, 20238 min read
Tuesday’s Elections Send Message: Parents Want Robust Libraries, Inclusiveness, Truthful History
Pundits cast Virginia’s Tuesday general elections as a referendum on abortion rights. It was more than that. Further down the ballot...
Holly Hazard
Nov 8, 20232 min read
Raise your Hand for Healthy School Environments Symposium
We need to allow people to talk and we need to be open-minded. Our differences don’t need to divide us–they can bring us together. - Dr....
Marianne Burke, PhD
Oct 5, 20232 min read
School Board Matters: Call for Advisory Committee Volunteers
School Board meetings have become ground zero for the culture wars, so 4 Public Education is introducing a new blog covering Fairfax...
Vanessa Hall
Sep 6, 20233 min read
Join the Healthy School Environments Symposium on September 30th
Censorship, book banning, gun violence, anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, mental health challenges, charter schools, vouchers, tax credits and dark...
4PE Team
Aug 30, 20231 min read
FCPS Rallies in Support of Transgender Students
On August 15, 2023, FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid made an official statement after community members expressed concern about...
Vanessa Hall
Aug 25, 20232 min read
Speaking out Against Hate at the VA BOE
Although it was nowhere on the Virginia Board of Education agenda, nearly all public input today, July 27, 2023, was about Youngkin's...
4PE Team
Jul 27, 20231 min read
Reject Youngkin's "Don't Be Trans" School Policies
Last week, Glenn Youngkin’s Department of Education released their so-called “ Model Policies on Ensuring Privacy, Dignity, and Respect...
Vanessa Hall
Jul 27, 20233 min read
With the Truth, We will Win
Hi, My name is Emily Ocasio and the last time I was speaking here it was the 2nd annual women’s summit and I was just 14. You may...
Emily Ocasio
Jul 23, 20233 min read
Inspirational 2023 Women's Summit
It is hard to describe how inspired we felt after last weekend's 2023 Network NOVA Women's Summit after: Rubbing elbows with those who...
Vanessa Hall
Jul 22, 20231 min read
Never Stop Learning: Join us at the Network NOVA Women's Summit
Mark your calendars for July 22nd—and be there! As we know, learning doesn’t stop with the end of a semester, or the end of a degree. We...
Holly Hazard
Jun 28, 20232 min read
We are Not Fine: One Student's Struggle with Suicide
Meg, an eighth grader, has struggled with suicide. After seeking help, they bravely share their experience to the Fairfax County School Board on May 25, 2023, in order to help parents and other adults know how to support their own children and students in Fairfax County. This speech, research, and consultations with mental health experts are part of their Silver Award project for Girl Scouts. Please note that this speech contains sensitive content. “Don’t judge a situation y
Meg, guest student blogger
Jun 1, 20232 min read
When will we Address Gun Violence?
On the anniversary of the Uvalde mass shooting that took the lives of nineteen Robb elementary students and two teachers, we find...
Vanessa Hall
May 24, 20231 min read
Schools out, but no summer break for 4 Public Education!
4 Public Education (4PE) announces the launch of their first major fundraising campaign, Summer Sendoff Campaign. While the end of this...
Jenna White
May 18, 20231 min read
Teacher Appreciation Week 2.0
Some teachers will get gift cards, or mugs or flowers. Some will get a child’s smile or no notice at all. What would really say teachers...
Cheryl Binkley
May 11, 20231 min read
Political drama over Virginia History Standards
Finally! On April 20, 2023 the revised Virginia History and Social Studies Standards of Learning (History SOL) was approved by the...
Marianne Burke, PhD
Apr 27, 20234 min read
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Relief after Years of Legislative and Executive Attacks on Education
2026 General Assembly Legislative Support for Public Education Public education remains one of the General Assembly’s most significant policy and budgetary responsibilities. With the conclusion of the Youngkin administration and the beginning of Governor Abigail Spanberger’s term last month, the legislature has continued its role in shaping education policy—particularly through direct investment, funding reform, and oversight. Strengthening State Investment in K–12 Schools In
Appreciation and Concerns Raised about the Superintendent's Budget
Explore key insights from the school board meeting on the FY 2026-27 budget. Understand diverse perspectives which include appreciation and concern over the Superintendent's school budget.
Restore Mental Health Professionals to our Schools
Vanessa Hall shares a personal story highlighting how important mental health professionals are in our schools and why the Superintendent should reinstate positions cut last year.
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