Category Archives: Top Story

To Lower the Barriers, Unite!

Posted on March 20, 2013 by matt ohern

In 2010, Virginia joined 25 other  states in authorizing the establishment of full-time Virtual School programs – educational institutions allowing students to “attend” school full-time, but online, from anywhere in the state. Three years later, there are still only two … Continue reading →

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Fostering Regional Collaboration Case by Case

Posted on March 7, 2013 by matt ohern

For reasons rooted in local identity and entrenched political interest, Virginians are unlikely to consolidate their local governments into units aligned with the metropolitan regions they serve. But it is not impossible to imagine governments partnering regionally on specific projects. … Continue reading →

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Enough!

Posted on February 21, 2013 by matt ohern

Something unusual happened in the Virginia General Assembly the other week: A bipartisan vote on a controversial issue. Governor Bob McDonnell’s Opportunity Educational Institution legislation crafts a system for taking over consistently failing public schools. McDonnell’s legislation essentially creates a new school division, … Continue reading →

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Demanding the Impossible

Posted on February 6, 2013 by matt ohern

Virginians care about the health of their rivers and streams. The Commonwealth has long been an active partner with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in implementing the Clean Water Act. Lately, however, the state roles and the federal roles have … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Top Story | Comments Off on Demanding the Impossible

This Year in Virginia: New Choices

Posted on January 31, 2013 by matt ohern

Virginia this week joins the rest of the nation in celebrating “National School Choice Week” from a special position: As one of 11 states with an education choice program offering new options to students in need of them. For the … Continue reading →

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