The Virginia Education Association is taking action to close the gaps within education with the Department of Equity, Justice and Learning.

Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow announced her resignation Wednesday in a letter to the governor.

As COVID-19 cases surge after the holidays, parents, health officials and school leaders all have children’s safety at the top of their minds.

Virginia lawmakers and educators are demanding the Virginia General Assembly ‘Fund our Future,’ calling for more money and resources. In a virtual press briefing on Monday, officials from the Virginia Education Association and Virginia PTA were joined by Sen. Jennifer McClellan and Del. Lashrecse Aird to ask the General Assembly to pass House Bill 1929, known as the School Equity and Staffing Act. It would provide more funding for high poverty schools and increase funding for school counselors and support staff. The bill would also give money to English-learning students and provide mentoring opportunities to new teachers.

10 News talked to one of the people who helped shape the guidelines all schools will have to follow. Hatchett was on the committee that helped shape some of the 136-page document outlining how schools can open in the fall. “What reopening looks like from one area to the state likely will be very different. I think frankly there’s no shame in my mind for people admitting the fact that we don’t know what we don’t know,” said Livingston. This is part of an ongoing 10 News series looking into reopening schools in Virginia.