The Latest from VEA

For the first time in our history, the VEA Delegate Assembly took its annual proceedings on the road to Southwest Virginia, convening in Abingdon, and Arlington’s Josh Folb couldn’t have been happier. Despite the longer-than-usual trip, “I was so excited to come here,” he says. “In many years of coming to convention, I’ve heard our members from the southwestern part of the state talk about the five-hour drives they often had to make, so I’m honored to return the favor. Not only that, but the food has been amazing and the hospitality incredible.”

More than 350 convention delegates did far more than take in the new surroundings, too. Members created and passed a range of new business items, calling for, among other things, a “comprehensive” report on school safety; repealing Virginia’s ban on the right of public employees to strike; a state mandate that SOL tests are released at the same time as the statewide test results in the fall following spring testing; a universal educator job application useable in any school division in the state; and supporting the use of student-chosen names and pronouns in schools.

In addition to new business, delegates also heard updates on our Union’s ongoing fight for racial and social justice in schools from VEA’s Fitz Turner Commission for Human and Civil Rights; preparations for this year’s gubernatorial and other elections and results from the 2025 General Assembly from the Legislative Committee; and approved the VEA budget for the year ahead. President Carol Bauer, Interim Executive Director Dr. Earl Wiman, and Director of Finance Chris Yoder also presented reports, and the Election and Campaign Practices and Resolutions committees, along with the VEA Board of Directors, also updated convention attendees.