Education

Legislation aimed at ensuring students’ right to pray and engage in other religious expression at school has passed the General Assembly, but not by sufficient margins to overcome a promised veto by Gov. Terry McAuliffe.
State Sen. Bill Carrico’s bill passed the House of Delegates on a 64-34 vote on Feb. 26. It had earlier cleared the Senate, 20-18. Neither vote is enough to override a veto, which requires a two-thirds majority.

Twin County school systems are re-examining their calendars in order to make up the days that have been lost due to inclement weather.
Snow days have pushed school calendars as far back as two weeks in some localities, which could lead to extending semesters into the summer months, and the loss of certain holidays and teacher workdays.
Galax City Schools had regular school days on Feb. 21 and 24, which were originally scheduled as teacher workdays.

Last year, Galax City Schools received a grant to fund research of a year-round school calendar, but after months of exploring the different possibilities, the research group has put together a draft proposal that, while is still considered a year-round concept, will still include a summer break similar to a traditional school calendar.

INDEPENDENCE — The Grayson School Board has been asked to consider including teacher salary increases, technology and facility improvements and the reinstatement of art programs at county schools in the 2014-2015 budget.
Last week, Schools Superintendent Kevin Chalfant made the case for improving technology in the schools in a “digital conversion plan,” which would be “one of five emphases” in the upcoming budget and would improve student and teacher access to online resources.