I oppose SB656 because the current VA Code already allows flexibility when needed. Increasing class size limits risks lowering instructional quality, increasing teacher workload, and harming beginning music students who need individual attention.

Please do not increase class size

Please pass this important bill

Dear Members of the Virginia Legislative Committee, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 686, which directs the Board of Education to develop guidance on best practices for open school enrollment policies. As a parent of a child with special needs, I have experienced firsthand the challenges of finding an educational environment that meets my child’s unique requirements. This bill represents a critical step toward ensuring families like mine have greater flexibility and access to the right educational settings. HB 686 addresses a pressing need by empowering the Board of Education to provide clear, actionable guidance to local school divisions on implementing open enrollment policies. This will allow parents to seek schools outside their assigned zones that better suit their children’s academic, social, or specialized needs. For families with students requiring specific programs or accommodations, such as those for special needs, this flexibility can be transformative. It ensures that a child is not confined to a single school simply due to geographic boundaries, but rather can attend a school equipped to foster their growth and success. Additionally, the bill promotes equity by creating opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to access high-quality education. Open enrollment policies, when guided by best practices, can help balance resources and opportunities across districts, ensuring that every child—regardless of zip code—has a chance to thrive. This is particularly meaningful for parents like me, who have struggled to find a school with the necessary support systems for a child with special needs. Without the option to choose, we are often left with limited solutions that may not fully address our children’s educational or developmental goals. On a personal level, having education choice would have made a significant difference for my family. Navigating the current system has been challenging, as we’ve been restricted to schools that, while well-intentioned, were not always the best fit for my child’s specific needs. The ability to enroll in a school with tailored programs or specialized staff could have alleviated years of frustration and provided my child with a more supportive learning environment from the start. In conclusion, I urge your support for HB 686. This bill offers a pathway to greater educational choice and equity, directly impacting families like mine who seek the best possible opportunities for our children. By establishing best practices for open enrollment, Virginia can lead the way in ensuring that every student has access to an education that meets their individual needs. Thank you for considering this vital legislation.