Virtual education legislation passes House of Delegates

RICHMOND (WSLS 10) -  A bill establishing virtual education for K-12 students in Virginia passed through the House of Delegates Tuesday. 

Delegate Richard P. "Dickie" Bell (R-Staunton) proposed House Bills 1361 and 1437 and House Joint Resolution 490, which establishes a new Virtual Virginia School and creates a Board of the Virginia Virtual School as a policy agency under the Secretary of Education (SOE). 

The school will offer both online classes and virtual school programs to all public, private and home-schooled children in Virginia. 

Delegate Bell said in a news release that the bill is a step forward for school choice in Virginia. 

"We know that many students thrive in the traditional classroom, but we also know that there are many who do not. I am pleased that the House of Delegates has passed a bill that will help ensure that every student will be able to grow and learn in the environment that best meets their needs. Virginia is a leader in so many areas and virtual education should be one of them. I look forward to continuing this discussion in the State Senate," Delegate Bell explained.