Virginia.

The article focuses on Virginia's 2024–2026 biennial budget priorities for K–12 and higher education funding, including increased Direct Aid to schools, compensation supplements for instructional and support staff, expanded support for at-risk students, and capital improvements in higher education. It highlights ongoing challenges with the State's Standards of Quality (SOQ) funding formula, which underestimates staffing and compensation needs and inadequately accounts for regional cost differences and higher-needs students, prompting partial budgetary adjustments. The article also addresses pressing issues such as the state's K–12 teacher shortage, disparities in teacher licensure and vacancies, concerns about special education supervision, and the presence of alternative schooling options including charter and Governor's Schools. Overall, the budget allocates significant funding to address these priorities while acknowledging recommendations for further reform in funding formulas and educational support systems.