Our COVID-19 Transparency Bill Wins Unanimous Approval

VEA-Initiated Bill Will Allow Citizens to Check School Health and Safety Plans

Every school division in Virginia will now have to make public its plan for controlling the spread of COVID-19 and its strategies for protecting students and educators, thanks to a new law initiated by the Virginia Education Association. The bill, SB 5083, was approved unanimously by the Virginia Senate today after previously passing unanimously in the House of Delegates. It requires that each school division’s COVID plans be posted on its website “in a publicly accessible and conspicuous location” and mandates that the plan be consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Virginia Department of Health recommendations.

“In these times, we need as much transparency as possible,” said VEA President James J. Fedderman, “because difficult decisions are

being made across Virginia on how instruction should be happening and how we’re ensuring that it’s done safely. This law will make sure the public is informed and will help keep public officials focused on the health and safety of those who learn and work in our schools.” The law will become effective as soon as Governor Northam signs the bill, which is expected quickly.

Members of the VEA, which includes teachers and school support professionals, raised the issue of the need for maximum transparency in how school divisions were approaching the health and safety of students and employees. Senator Jennifer McClellan and Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy stepped forward to sponsor legislation in the Senate and House, respectively.

“We’re grateful to Senator McClellan and to Delegate Carroll Foy for standing up for the health and safety of students, their families and communities, and local educators,” said Fedderman. “Because of their leadership, and the commitment of fellow legislators, Virginians will be better informed and safer.”

Until now, Virginia required all school divisions to develop and submit a COVID health and safety plan before returning to instruction, but there was no requirement for the plans to be made public so parents and employees could read them.