Melissa K. Velazquez

The board discussed potential regulatory changes regarding the administrator endorsement. Key topics included allowing the addition of an administration and supervision endorsement onto a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) license for individuals who hold a graduate degree and have satisfied instructional experience requirements. The board also considered changing the specific terminology in regulations from 'master's degree' to 'graduate degree' to accommodate candidates with higher-level professional or doctoral degrees who are currently restricted by existing language. The board emphasized the need to develop precise regulatory language to ensure these pathways are implemented thoughtfully.

The board introduced the new superintendent of public instruction and welcomed several new board members. Recognition was provided for fine arts programs across the Commonwealth and for several principals and assistant principals receiving awards. The board reviewed and discussed standards for fine arts education, emphasizing their role in building student skills and attendance. The meeting also included a musical performance by the Matoa High School Jazz Band and concluded with preparations for public comment sessions.

The committee reviewed public comments regarding data entry for educator profiles in Link 5, participation requirements in BQB5, and sight and sound supervision recommendations. Membership updates were provided, including the welcoming of new members and information regarding open positions and upcoming application deadlines. New ex officio members were introduced, followed by an update on the state superintendent and leadership changes. A presentation was also given on VQB5 with a request for committee endorsement.

This document provides an update on Virginia's State Plan for the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V). It serves as a roadmap for how Virginia utilizes federal funding to enhance CTE outcomes by strengthening academic and technical skills, aligning education with workforce demands, promoting innovation, improving accountability, and ensuring equity and access. The update details the FY 2026 revised plan submission, recommending a one-year renewal, and outlines the annual review and update of State Determined Performance Levels for 2026-2027, with a view toward developing a new four-year plan in 2027.

The meeting agenda includes legislative updates on teacher education and licensure bills, reviews of new language assessments and elementary education exams, and updates on regulatory actions regarding mathematics. The board will also evaluate the geometry praxis assessment, discuss CTE teacher shortages, review the critical shortage report for 2026-2027, and plan for future advisory board membership and scheduling. Voting items involve the acceptance of the critical shortage report, the inclusion of new praxis assessments for various languages, the replacement of the elementary education test, and the pursuit of a regulatory action for school administration pathways. The meeting concludes with liaison reports and a standing committee discussion on the use of AI in processing licenses.