{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/22.1-79.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/22.1-79.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/22.1-79.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/22.1-79.html"}],"law_id":54343,"edition_id":1,"section_id":54343,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-79","catch_line":"Powers and duties","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 22-72, 22-97; 1954, cc. 289, 291; 1956, Ex. Sess., c. 60; 1959, Ex. Sess., c. 79, \u00a7 1; 1966, c. 691; 1968, c. 501; 1970, c. 71; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 161; 1972, c. 511; 1975, cc. 308, 328; 1980, c. 559; 1985, c. 8; 1987, c. 402; 1991, cc. 553, 668; 1994, c. 596; 1996, cc. 485, 790, 798; 1997, c. 382; 2004, c. 563; 2006, cc. 857, 914; 2009, c. 459; 2013, cc. 588, 650; 2020, cc. 379, 437, 829; 2023, cc. 125, 350, 506, 507, 690, 707, 708; 2024, cc. 435, 689.","full_text":"Each school board shall:\n\n1\n\nSee that the school laws are properly explained, enforced, and observed;2\n\nSecure, by visitation or otherwise, as full information as possible about the conduct of the public schools in the school division and take care that they are conducted according to law and with the utmost efficiency;3\n\nCare for, manage, and control the property of the school division and provide for the erecting, furnishing, equipping, and noninstructional operating of necessary school buildings and appurtenances and the maintenance thereof by purchase, lease, or other contracts;4\n\nProvide for the consolidation of schools or redistricting of school boundaries or adopt pupil assignment plans whenever such procedure will contribute to the efficiency of the school division;5\n\nInsofar as not inconsistent with state statutes and regulations of the Board, operate and maintain the public schools in the school division and determine the length of the school term, the studies to be pursued, the methods of teaching, and the government to be employed in the schools;6\n\nIn instances in which no grievance procedure has been adopted prior to January 1, 1991, establish and administer by July 1, 1992, a grievance procedure for all school board employees, except the division superintendent and those employees covered under the provisions of Article 2 (§ 22.1-293 et seq.) and Article 3 (§ 22.1-306 et seq.) of Chapter 15, who have completed such probationary period as may be required by the school board, not to exceed 18 months. The grievance procedure shall afford a timely and fair method of the resolution of disputes arising between the school board and such employees regarding dismissal or other disciplinary actions, excluding suspensions, and shall be consistent with the provisions of the Board’s procedures for adjusting grievances. Except in the case of dismissal, suspension, or other disciplinary action, the grievance procedure prescribed by the Board pursuant to § 22.1-308 shall apply to all full-time employees of a school board, except supervisory employees;7\n\nPerform such other duties as shall be prescribed by the Board or as are imposed by law;8\n\nObtain public comment through a public hearing not less than seven days after reasonable notice to the public in a newspaper of general circulation in the school division prior to providing (i) for the consolidation of schools; (ii) the transfer from the public school system of the administration of all instructional services for any public school classroom or all noninstructional services in the school division pursuant to a contract with any private entity or organization; or (iii) in school divisions having 15,000 pupils or more in average daily membership, for redistricting of school boundaries or adopting any pupil assignment plan affecting the assignment of 15 percent or more of the pupils in average daily membership in the affected school. Such public hearing may be held at the same time and place as the meeting of the school board at which the proposed action is taken if the public hearing is held before the action is taken. If a public hearing has been held prior to the effective date of this provision on a proposed consolidation, redistricting, or pupil assignment plan that is to be implemented after the effective date of this provision, an additional public hearing shall not be required;9\n\n(Expires July 1, 2028) At least annually, survey the school division to identify critical shortages of (i) teachers and administrative personnel by subject matter, (ii) specialized student support positions as that term is described in subsection O of § 22.1-253.13:2, and (iii) school bus drivers and report such critical shortages to the Superintendent and to the Virginia Retirement System; however, the school board may request the division superintendent to conduct such survey and submit such report to the school board, the Superintendent, and the Virginia Retirement System;10\n\nEnsure that the public schools within the school division are registered with the Department of State Police to receive from the State Police electronic notice of the registration, reregistration, or verification of registration information of any person required to register with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1 within that school division pursuant to § 9.1-914;11\n\nEnsure that at any back to school night event in the local school division to which the parents of enrolled students are invited, any such parent in attendance receives prominent notification of and access, in paper or electronic form, or both, to information about application and eligibility for free or reduced price meals for students and a fillable free or reduced price meals application that may be completed and submitted on site;12\n\nEnsure that the information sheet on the SNAP benefits program developed and provided by the Department of Social Services pursuant to subsection E of § 63.2-801 is sent home with each student enrolled in a public elementary or secondary school in the local school division at the beginning of each school year or, in the case of any student who enrolls after the beginning of the school year, as soon as practicable after enrollment;13\n\nEnsure that a fillable free or reduced price meals application is sent home with each student enrolled in a public elementary or secondary school in the local school division at the beginning of each school year or, in the case of any student who enrolls after the beginning of the school year, as soon as practicable after enrollment;14\n\nPermit any student enrolled in a public elementary or secondary school in the local school division who provides acceptable proof of identification as set forth in subdivision 15, if requested, and signs up in accordance with sign-up procedures for the respective school board meeting, to submit oral comments during any public comment or citizen participation portion of such meeting subject to the same reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions imposed by such school board on the expression of any other citizen participant in such meetings; and15\n\nAccept as proof of student identification for the purpose of providing oral public comment as permitted pursuant to subdivision 14 any current student identification card or other school document such as a report card or a personal school email address.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":199504,"text":"Each school board shall:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":199505,"text":"See that the school laws are properly explained, enforced, and observed;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":199506,"text":"Secure, by visitation or otherwise, as full information as possible about the conduct of the public schools in the school division and take care that they are conducted according to law and with the utmost efficiency;","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":199507,"text":"Care for, manage, and control the property of the school division and provide for the erecting, furnishing, equipping, and noninstructional operating of necessary school buildings and appurtenances and the maintenance thereof by purchase, lease, or other contracts;","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":199508,"text":"Provide for the consolidation of schools or redistricting of school boundaries or adopt pupil assignment plans whenever such procedure will contribute to the efficiency of the school division;","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":199509,"text":"Insofar as not inconsistent with state statutes and regulations of the Board, operate and maintain the public schools in the school division and determine the length of the school term, the studies to be pursued, the methods of teaching, and the government to be employed in the schools;","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"6":{"id":199510,"text":"In instances in which no grievance procedure has been adopted prior to January 1, 1991, establish and administer by July 1, 1992, a grievance procedure for all school board employees, except the division superintendent and those employees covered under the provisions of Article 2 (§ 22.1-293 et seq.) and Article 3 (§ 22.1-306 et seq.) of Chapter 15, who have completed such probationary period as may be required by the school board, not to exceed 18 months. The grievance procedure shall afford a timely and fair method of the resolution of disputes arising between the school board and such employees regarding dismissal or other disciplinary actions, excluding suspensions, and shall be consistent with the provisions of the Board’s procedures for adjusting grievances. Except in the case of dismissal, suspension, or other disciplinary action, the grievance procedure prescribed by the Board pursuant to § 22.1-308 shall apply to all full-time employees of a school board, except supervisory employees;","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"7"},"7":{"id":199511,"text":"Perform such other duties as shall be prescribed by the Board or as are imposed by law;","type":"section","prefixes":["7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"7","prefix_anchor":"7","level":1,"prior_prefix":"6","next_prefix":"8"},"8":{"id":199512,"text":"Obtain public comment through a public hearing not less than seven days after reasonable notice to the public in a newspaper of general circulation in the school division prior to providing (i) for the consolidation of schools; (ii) the transfer from the public school system of the administration of all instructional services for any public school classroom or all noninstructional services in the school division pursuant to a contract with any private entity or organization; or (iii) in school divisions having 15,000 pupils or more in average daily membership, for redistricting of school boundaries or adopting any pupil assignment plan affecting the assignment of 15 percent or more of the pupils in average daily membership in the affected school. Such public hearing may be held at the same time and place as the meeting of the school board at which the proposed action is taken if the public hearing is held before the action is taken. If a public hearing has been held prior to the effective date of this provision on a proposed consolidation, redistricting, or pupil assignment plan that is to be implemented after the effective date of this provision, an additional public hearing shall not be required;","type":"section","prefixes":["8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"8","prefix_anchor":"8","level":1,"prior_prefix":"7","next_prefix":"9"},"9":{"id":199513,"text":"(Expires July 1, 2028) At least annually, survey the school division to identify critical shortages of (i) teachers and administrative personnel by subject matter, (ii) specialized student support positions as that term is described in subsection O of § 22.1-253.13:2, and (iii) school bus drivers and report such critical shortages to the Superintendent and to the Virginia Retirement System; however, the school board may request the division superintendent to conduct such survey and submit such report to the school board, the Superintendent, and the Virginia Retirement System;","type":"section","prefixes":["9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"9","prefix_anchor":"9","level":1,"prior_prefix":"8","next_prefix":"10"},"10":{"id":199514,"text":"Ensure that the public schools within the school division are registered with the Department of State Police to receive from the State Police electronic notice of the registration, reregistration, or verification of registration information of any person required to register with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1 within that school division pursuant to § 9.1-914;","type":"section","prefixes":["10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"10","prefix_anchor":"10","level":1,"prior_prefix":"9","next_prefix":"11"},"11":{"id":199515,"text":"Ensure that at any back to school night event in the local school division to which the parents of enrolled students are invited, any such parent in attendance receives prominent notification of and access, in paper or electronic form, or both, to information about application and eligibility for free or reduced price meals for students and a fillable free or reduced price meals application that may be completed and submitted on site;","type":"section","prefixes":["11"],"prefix":"11","entire_prefix":"11","prefix_anchor":"11","level":1,"prior_prefix":"10","next_prefix":"12"},"12":{"id":199516,"text":"Ensure that the information sheet on the SNAP benefits program developed and provided by the Department of Social Services pursuant to subsection E of § 63.2-801 is sent home with each student enrolled in a public elementary or secondary school in the local school division at the beginning of each school year or, in the case of any student who enrolls after the beginning of the school year, as soon as practicable after enrollment;","type":"section","prefixes":["12"],"prefix":"12","entire_prefix":"12","prefix_anchor":"12","level":1,"prior_prefix":"11","next_prefix":"13"},"13":{"id":199517,"text":"Ensure that a fillable free or reduced price meals application is sent home with each student enrolled in a public elementary or secondary school in the local school division at the beginning of each school year or, in the case of any student who enrolls after the beginning of the school year, as soon as practicable after enrollment;","type":"section","prefixes":["13"],"prefix":"13","entire_prefix":"13","prefix_anchor":"13","level":1,"prior_prefix":"12","next_prefix":"14"},"14":{"id":199518,"text":"Permit any student enrolled in a public elementary or secondary school in the local school division who provides acceptable proof of identification as set forth in subdivision 15, if requested, and signs up in accordance with sign-up procedures for the respective school board meeting, to submit oral comments during any public comment or citizen participation portion of such meeting subject to the same reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions imposed by such school board on the expression of any other citizen participant in such meetings; and","type":"section","prefixes":["14"],"prefix":"14","entire_prefix":"14","prefix_anchor":"14","level":1,"prior_prefix":"13","next_prefix":"15"},"15":{"id":199519,"text":"Accept as proof of student identification for the purpose of providing oral public comment as permitted pursuant to subdivision 14 any current student identification card or other school document such as a report card or a personal school email address.","type":"section","prefixes":["15"],"prefix":"15","entire_prefix":"15","prefix_anchor":"15","level":1,"prior_prefix":"14"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13368,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Powers and Duties of School Boards","identifier":"7","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12823,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:43","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:43","permalink":{"id":184095,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13368,"identifier":"7","token":"22.1\/7","url":"\/22.1\/7\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12823,"edition_id":1,"name":"Education","identifier":"22.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","permalink":{"id":180949,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12823,"identifier":"22.1","token":"22.1","url":"\/22.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":56889,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-71","catch_line":"School board constitutes body corporate; corporate powers","url":"\/22.1-71\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-71","metadata":false},{"id":80856,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-72","catch_line":"Annual organizational meetings of school boards","url":"\/22.1-72\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-72","metadata":false},{"id":80333,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-73","catch_line":"Quorum","url":"\/22.1-73\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-73","metadata":false},{"id":78594,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-74","catch_line":"Minutes of meetings","url":"\/22.1-74\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-74","metadata":false},{"id":86210,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-75","catch_line":"Procedure in case of tie vote","url":"\/22.1-75\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-75","metadata":false},{"id":63104,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-76","catch_line":"Chairman; clerk; vice-chairman; deputy clerk; terms; compensation and bonds of clerk and deputy clerk; officers ineligible to serve as clerk and deputy clerk; approval of division superintendent's designee","url":"\/22.1-76\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-76","metadata":false},{"id":60823,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-77","catch_line":"Duties of clerk","url":"\/22.1-77\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-77","metadata":false},{"id":78612,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-78","catch_line":"Bylaws and regulations","url":"\/22.1-78\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-78","metadata":false},{"id":54343,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-79","catch_line":"Powers and duties","url":"\/22.1-79\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-79","metadata":false},{"id":66917,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-79.1","catch_line":"Opening of the school year; approvals for certain alternative schedules","url":"\/22.1-79.1\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-79.1","metadata":false},{"id":72475,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-79.2","catch_line":"Uniforms in public schools; Board of Education guidelines","url":"\/22.1-79.2\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-79.2","metadata":false},{"id":73078,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-79.3","catch_line":"Policies regarding certain activities","url":"\/22.1-79.3\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-79.3","metadata":false},{"id":60962,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-79.3:1","catch_line":"Student cell phone and smart device possession and use policies; development and implementation","url":"\/22.1-79.3_1\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-79.3_1","metadata":false},{"id":58943,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-79.4","catch_line":"Threat assessment teams and oversight committees","url":"\/22.1-79.4\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-79.4","metadata":false},{"id":81294,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-79.5","catch_line":"Policy regarding retail tobacco products and hemp products intended for smoking","url":"\/22.1-79.5\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-79.5","metadata":false},{"id":81218,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-79.6","catch_line":"Employee lactation support policy","url":"\/22.1-79.6\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-79.6","metadata":false},{"id":81408,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-79.7","catch_line":"School meal policies; 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payment of costs, expenses and liabilities; consent of governing bodies required prior to institution of proceedings","url":"\/22.1-82\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-82","metadata":false},{"id":61321,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-83","catch_line":"Payment of employee's legal fees and expenses","url":"\/22.1-83\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-83","metadata":false},{"id":58731,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-84","catch_line":"Insurance","url":"\/22.1-84\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-84","metadata":false},{"id":86141,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-85","catch_line":"Fund for payment of hospital, medical, etc., services provided officers, employees and dependents","url":"\/22.1-85\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-85","metadata":false},{"id":67471,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-86","catch_line":"Meetings of people of school division; local committees","url":"\/22.1-86\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-86","metadata":false},{"id":84284,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-86.1","catch_line":"Appointment of student representatives to local school boards","url":"\/22.1-86.1\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-86.1","metadata":false},{"id":57040,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-87","catch_line":"Judicial review","url":"\/22.1-87\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-87","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":78612,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-78","catch_line":"Bylaws and regulations","url":"\/22.1-78\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-78","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":66917,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-79.1","catch_line":"Opening of the school year; approvals for certain alternative schedules","url":"\/22.1-79.1\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-79.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/22.1-79\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 20 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1954, chapters 289 and 291; in 1966, chapter 691; in 1968, chapter 501; in 1970, chapter 71; in 1972, chapter 511; in 1975, chapters 308 and 328; in 1980, chapter 559; in 1985, chapter 8; in 1987, chapter 402; in 1991, chapters 553 and 668; in 1994, chapter 596<\/a>; in 1996, chapters 485<\/a>, 790<\/a>, and 798<\/a>; in 1997, chapter 382<\/a>; in 2004, chapter 563<\/a>; in 2006, chapters 857<\/a> and 914<\/a>; in 2009, chapter 459<\/a>; in 2013, chapters 588<\/a> and 650<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 379<\/a>, 437<\/a>, and 829<\/a>; in 2023, chapters 125<\/a>, 350<\/a>, 506<\/a>, 507<\/a>, 690<\/a>, 707<\/a>, and 708<\/a>; in 2024, chapters 435<\/a> and 689<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":68151,"section_number":"22.1-70.3","catch_line":"(Expires July 1, 2028) Designation of teacher shortage areas","order_by":null,"url":"\/22.1-70.3\/"},{"id":72358,"section_number":"51.1-155","catch_line":"Service retirement allowance","order_by":null,"url":"\/51.1-155\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":69198,"section_number":"22.1-253.13:2","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Standard 2. Instructional, administrative, and support personnel","order_by":null,"url":"\/22.1-253.13_2\/"},{"id":64907,"section_number":"22.1-293","catch_line":"School boards authorized to employ principals and assistant principals; license required; powers and duties","order_by":null,"url":"\/22.1-293\/"},{"id":74295,"section_number":"22.1-306","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/22.1-306\/"},{"id":61195,"section_number":"22.1-308","catch_line":"Grievance procedure","order_by":null,"url":"\/22.1-308\/"},{"id":65850,"section_number":"63.2-801","catch_line":"SNAP benefits program","order_by":null,"url":"\/63.2-801\/"},{"id":69731,"section_number":"9.1-900","catch_line":"Purpose of the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-900\/"},{"id":72317,"section_number":"9.1-914","catch_line":"Automatic notification of registration to certain entities; electronic notification to requesting persons","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-914\/"}],"permalink":{"id":184129,"object_type":"law","relational_id":54343,"identifier":"22.1-79","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-79","url":"\/22.1-79\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/22.1-79\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-79","dublin_core":{"Title":"Powers and duties","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 22.1-79","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Each school board<\/span> shall:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> See that the school laws<\/span> are properly explained, enforced, and observed; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Secure, by visitation or otherwise, as full information as possible about the conduct of the public schools in the school division and take care that they are conducted according to law<\/span> and with the utmost efficiency; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Care for, manage, and control the property of the school division and provide for the erecting, furnishing, equipping, and noninstructional operating of necessary school buildings and appurtenances and the maintenance thereof by purchase, lease, or other contracts<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Provide for the consolidation<\/span> of schools or redistricting of school boundaries or adopt pupil assignment plans whenever such procedure will contribute to the efficiency of the school division; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Insofar as not inconsistent with state statutes<\/span> and regulations of the Board, operate and maintain the public schools in the school division and determine the length of the school term, the studies to be pursued, the methods of teaching, and the government to be employed in the schools; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> In instances in which no grievance procedure has been adopted prior to January 1, 1991, establish and administer by July 1, 1992, a grievance procedure for all school board<\/span> employees, except the division superintendent<\/span> and those employees covered under the provisions of Article 2 (§ 22.1-293<\/a> et seq.) and Article 3 (§ 22.1-306<\/a> et seq.) of Chapter 15, who have completed such probationary period as may be required by the school board<\/span>, not to exceed 18 months. The grievance procedure shall afford a timely and fair method of the resolution of disputes arising between the school board<\/span> and such employees regarding dismissal<\/span> or other disciplinary actions, excluding suspensions, and shall be consistent with the provisions of the Board’s procedures for adjusting grievances. Except in the case of dismissal<\/span>, suspension, or other disciplinary action, the grievance procedure prescribed by the Board pursuant to § 22.1-308<\/a> shall apply to all full-time employees of a school board<\/span>, except supervisory employees; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Perform such other duties as shall be prescribed by the Board or as are imposed by law<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Obtain public comment through a public hearing<\/span> not less than seven days after reasonable notice to the public in a newspaper of general circulation in the school division prior to providing (i) for the consolidation<\/span> of schools; (ii) the transfer from the public school system of the administration of all instructional services for any public school classroom or all noninstructional services in the school division pursuant to a contract<\/span> with any private entity or organization; or (iii) in school divisions having 15,000 pupils or more in average daily membership, for redistricting of school boundaries or adopting any pupil assignment plan affecting the assignment of 15 percent or more of the pupils in average daily membership in the affected school. Such public hearing<\/span> may be held at the same time and place as the meeting of the school board<\/span> at which the proposed action is taken if the public hearing<\/span> is held before the action is taken. If a public hearing<\/span> has been held prior to the effective date of this provision on a proposed consolidation<\/span>, redistricting, or pupil assignment plan that is to be implemented after the effective date of this provision, an additional public hearing<\/span> shall not be required; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> (Expires July 1, 2028) At least annually, survey the school division to identify critical shortages of (i) teachers and administrative personnel by subject matter, (ii) specialized student support positions as that term is described in subsection O of § 22.1-253.13:2<\/a>, and (iii) school bus drivers and report such critical shortages to the Superintendent and to the Virginia Retirement System; however, the school board<\/span> may request the division superintendent<\/span> to conduct such survey and submit such report to the school board<\/span>, the Superintendent, and the Virginia Retirement System; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

10.<\/span> Ensure that the public schools within the school division are registered with the Department<\/span> of State Police to receive from the State Police electronic notice of the registration, reregistration, or verification of registration information of any person required to register with the Sex Offender and Crimes<\/span> Against Minors<\/span> Registry pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900<\/a> et seq.) of Title 9.1 within that school division pursuant to § 9.1-914<\/a>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

11.<\/span> Ensure that at any back to school night event in the local school division to which the parents<\/span><\/span> of enrolled students are invited, any such parent<\/span> in attendance receives prominent notification of and access, in paper or electronic form, or both, to information about application and eligibility for free or reduced price meals for students and a fillable free or reduced price meals application that may be completed and submitted on site; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

12.<\/span> Ensure that the information sheet on the SNAP benefits program developed and provided by the Department<\/span> of Social Services pursuant to subsection E of § 63.2-801<\/a> is sent home with each student enrolled in a public elementary<\/span> or secondary school in the local school division at the beginning of each school year or, in the case of any student who enrolls after the beginning of the school year, as soon as practicable after enrollment; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

13.<\/span> Ensure that a fillable free or reduced price meals application is sent home with each student enrolled in a public elementary<\/span> or secondary school in the local school division at the beginning of each school year or, in the case of any student who enrolls after the beginning of the school year, as soon as practicable after enrollment; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

14.<\/span> Permit any student enrolled in a public elementary<\/span> or secondary school in the local school division who provides acceptable proof of identification as set forth in subdivision 15, if requested, and signs up in accordance with sign-up procedures for the respective school board<\/span> meeting, to submit oral comments during any public comment or citizen participation portion of such meeting subject to the same reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions imposed by such school board<\/span> on the expression of any other citizen participant in such meetings; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

15.<\/span> Accept as proof of student identification for the purpose of providing oral public comment as permitted pursuant to subdivision 14 any current student identification card or other school document such as a report card or a personal school email address. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPOWERS AND DUTIES (\u00a7 22.1-79)\n\nEach school board shall:\n\n1. See that the school laws are properly explained, enforced, and observed;\n\n2. Secure, by visitation or otherwise, as full information as possible about the\nconduct of the public schools in the school division and take care that they are\nconducted according to law and with the utmost efficiency;\n\n3. Care for, manage, and control the property of the school division and provide\nfor the erecting, furnishing, equipping, and noninstructional operating of\nnecessary school buildings and appurtenances and the maintenance thereof by\npurchase, lease, or other contracts;\n\n4. Provide for the consolidation of schools or redistricting of school\nboundaries or adopt pupil assignment plans whenever such procedure will\ncontribute to the efficiency of the school division;\n\n5. Insofar as not inconsistent with state statutes and regulations of the Board,\noperate and maintain the public schools in the school division and determine the\nlength of the school term, the studies to be pursued, the methods of teaching,\nand the government to be employed in the schools;\n\n6. In instances in which no grievance procedure has been adopted prior to\nJanuary 1, 1991, establish and administer by July 1, 1992, a grievance procedure\nfor all school board employees, except the division superintendent and those\nemployees covered under the provisions of Article 2 (§ 22.1-293 et seq.)\nand Article 3 (§ 22.1-306 et seq.) of Chapter 15, who have completed such\nprobationary period as may be required by the school board, not to exceed 18\nmonths. The grievance procedure shall afford a timely and fair method of the\nresolution of disputes arising between the school board and such employees\nregarding dismissal or other disciplinary actions, excluding suspensions, and\nshall be consistent with the provisions of the Board’s procedures for\nadjusting grievances. Except in the case of dismissal, suspension, or other\ndisciplinary action, the grievance procedure prescribed by the Board pursuant to\n§ 22.1-308 shall apply to all full-time employees of a school board, except\nsupervisory employees;\n\n7. Perform such other duties as shall be prescribed by the Board or as are\nimposed by law;\n\n8. Obtain public comment through a public hearing not less than seven days after\nreasonable notice to the public in a newspaper of general circulation in the\nschool division prior to providing (i) for the consolidation of schools; (ii)\nthe transfer from the public school system of the administration of all\ninstructional services for any public school classroom or all noninstructional\nservices in the school division pursuant to a contract with any private entity\nor organization; or (iii) in school divisions having 15,000 pupils or more in\naverage daily membership, for redistricting of school boundaries or adopting any\npupil assignment plan affecting the assignment of 15 percent or more of the\npupils in average daily membership in the affected school. Such public hearing\nmay be held at the same time and place as the meeting of the school board at\nwhich the proposed action is taken if the public hearing is held before the\naction is taken. If a public hearing has been held prior to the effective date\nof this provision on a proposed consolidation, redistricting, or pupil\nassignment plan that is to be implemented after the effective date of this\nprovision, an additional public hearing shall not be required;\n\n9. (Expires July 1, 2028) At least annually, survey the school division to\nidentify critical shortages of (i) teachers and administrative personnel by\nsubject matter, (ii) specialized student support positions as that term is\ndescribed in subsection O of § 22.1-253.13:2, and (iii) school bus drivers\nand report such critical shortages to the Superintendent and to the Virginia\nRetirement System; however, the school board may request the division\nsuperintendent to conduct such survey and submit such report to the school\nboard, the Superintendent, and the Virginia Retirement System;\n\n10. Ensure that the public schools within the school division are registered\nwith the Department of State Police to receive from the State Police electronic\nnotice of the registration, reregistration, or verification of registration\ninformation of any person required to register with the Sex Offender and Crimes\nAgainst Minors Registry pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title\n9.1 within that school division pursuant to § 9.1-914;\n\n11. Ensure that at any back to school night event in the local school division\nto which the parents of enrolled students are invited, any such parent in\nattendance receives prominent notification of and access, in paper or electronic\nform, or both, to information about application and eligibility for free or\nreduced price meals for students and a fillable free or reduced price meals\napplication that may be completed and submitted on site;\n\n12. Ensure that the information sheet on the SNAP benefits program developed and\nprovided by the Department of Social Services pursuant to subsection E of §\n63.2-801 is sent home with each student enrolled in a public elementary or\nsecondary school in the local school division at the beginning of each school\nyear or, in the case of any student who enrolls after the beginning of the\nschool year, as soon as practicable after enrollment;\n\n13. Ensure that a fillable free or reduced price meals application is sent home\nwith each student enrolled in a public elementary or secondary school in the\nlocal school division at the beginning of each school year or, in the case of\nany student who enrolls after the beginning of the school year, as soon as\npracticable after enrollment;\n\n14. Permit any student enrolled in a public elementary or secondary school in\nthe local school division who provides acceptable proof of identification as set\nforth in subdivision 15, if requested, and signs up in accordance with sign-up\nprocedures for the respective school board meeting, to submit oral comments\nduring any public comment or citizen participation portion of such meeting\nsubject to the same reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions imposed by\nsuch school board on the expression of any other citizen participant in such\nmeetings; and\n\n15. Accept as proof of student identification for the purpose of providing oral\npublic comment as permitted pursuant to subdivision 14 any current student\nidentification card or other school document such as a report card or a personal\nschool email address.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 22-72, 22-97; 1954, cc. 289, 291; 1956, Ex. Sess., c.\n60; 1959, Ex. Sess., c. 79, \u00a7 1; 1966, c. 691; 1968, c. 501; 1970, c. 71; 1971,\nEx. Sess., c. 161; 1972, c. 511; 1975, cc. 308, 328; 1980, c. 559; 1985, c. 8;\n1987, c. 402; 1991, cc. 553, 668; 1994, c. 596; 1996, cc. 485, 790, 798; 1997,\nc. 382; 2004, c. 563; 2006, cc. 857, 914; 2009, c. 459; 2013, cc. 588, 650;\n2020, cc. 379, 437, 829; 2023, cc. 125, 350, 506, 507, 690, 707, 708; 2024, cc.\n435, 689.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}