Virginia Education Secretary Outlines New Policy Priorities
The state aims to address a critical child care shortage while finalizing a new long-term strategic plan for schools.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Education — General
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Should the state significantly increase funding to subsidize child care costs for working families?
Secretary of Education Jeffrey Smith presented his K-12 education policy priorities to the Board of Education this week. The plan focuses on systemic improvements and expanding access to essential child care services for working families across the state.
Why it matters
State leaders are prioritizing these initiatives to boost student success and close a significant gap in available child care. Addressing these logistical hurdles is central to the administration's goal of improving long-term educational outcomes in Virginia.
The proposed child care plan carries an annual cost of $4.5 billion and aims to serve 240,000 additional children. This expansion would reach 66% of working families currently facing a shortfall of 140,000 child care slots.
The players
Jeffrey Smith
He is the Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Mashea Ashton
She serves as the president of the Virginia Board of Education.
Virginia Board of Education
This state agency is responsible for the supervision of public schools and the development of educational policies.
Virginia Department of Education
This department implements state education laws and provides technical support for school divisions across the Commonwealth.
The details
The agency is working alongside the Department of Education to draft a budget proposal and legislative agenda. Success will be measured through standardized indicators, including student math and reading scores as well as attendance data.
Timeline
October 29, 2026: The Board of Education held a work session to review the draft plan.
November 2026: The administration is scheduled to release the final strategic plan.
January 13, 2027: Virginia lawmakers are set to convene for the next legislative session.
Culture Shift
This policy pivot mirrors a broader national move toward state-led investments in early childhood infrastructure to support workforce participation. The strategic plan follows the Virginia Department of Education's 2026 roadmap, reinforcing a focus on long-term student achievement.
Families across Virginia could see expanded access to child care services if the $4.5 billion funding plan is enacted. Residents should monitor the upcoming November release of the final strategic plan to understand how these changes may affect local school resource allocation.
The takeaway
The administration is positioning child care as a foundational component of academic and economic success in Virginia. Residents should prepare for legislative debates in Richmond this January as lawmakers weigh the costs of these expansive K-12 and early learning proposals.
Further reading
For more on state-wide initiatives, visit the Virginia Education — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Virginia Mercury.
Live Poll
Should the state significantly increase funding to subsidize child care costs for working families?
