VirginiaSB1172026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Public school teachers; reemployment of teacher who has not received continuing contract status.

Sponsored By: Stella G. Pekarsky (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Public school teachers; terms of employment; reemployment of teacher who has received continuing contract status; written notice required. Requires written notice of noncontinuation of a continuing teacher contract to be given by the teacher by June 15 of each year; otherwise, the contract continues in effect for the ensuing year in conformity with local salary stipulations, including increments. Current law requires such written notice of noncontinuation of a continuing teacher contract to be given by either the teacher or the school board by June 15 of each year. This bill is identical to HB 125.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Layoff rules and notice for teachers

The school board may cut teacher positions, even for those with continuing contracts, when enrollment drops or a subject is abolished. Within two weeks of budget approval, and no later than July 1, the board must notify teachers who may be affected by budget‑driven reductions. Layoff decisions cannot be based only on seniority; the board must also consider teacher performance evaluations and other factors.

Teacher contract deadlines and renewals

Probationary teachers must accept or reject a rehire notice in writing within 15 days. For probationary teachers, the school board must send a nonrenewal notice by June 15, except for actions under the teacher discipline law and for reductions in force. If no notice is given by June 15, you get a contract for the next year with local pay, including increments. After the budget is approved (after June 15), the board must send each teacher a statement confirming continued employment, assignment, and salary. If you have finished probation, your contract continues each year during good behavior and competent service unless you or the board give written notice by June 15. A continuing contract cannot bind the board to pay beyond funds that have been approved.

Teacher resignation rules after June 15

After June 15, you may resign only with approval from the school board, or from the superintendent if the board has authorized it. You must ask in writing at least two weeks ahead and state your reason. If the superintendent is authorized, you may withdraw your request within one week. The superintendent must notify the board, and the board may reverse that decision within two weeks. If release is denied for insufficient or unjustified cause and you then break the contract, you can face discipline—up to loss of your license—under Board of Education rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Stella G. Pekarsky

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 204 • No: 45

Senate vote 2/25/2026

House substitute agreed to by Senate

Yes: 35 • No: 5

House vote 2/23/2026

Passed House with substitute

Yes: 62 • No: 34

House vote 2/18/2026

Reported from Education with substitute

Yes: 15 • No: 6

Senate vote 1/27/2026

Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/26/2026

Engrossed by Senate Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/23/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/23/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/22/2026

Reported from Education and Health

Yes: 14 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0333)

    4/6/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 333 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/6/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/10/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026

    3/10/2026Senate
  5. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB117)

    3/3/2026Senate
  6. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB117ER)

    2/27/2026Senate
  7. Enrolled

    2/27/2026Senate
  8. Signed by President

    2/27/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    2/27/2026House
  10. House substitute agreed to by Senate (35-Y 5-N 0-A)

    2/25/2026Senate
  11. Passed House with substitute (62-Y 34-N 0-A)

    2/23/2026House
  12. Engrossed by House - committee substitute

    2/23/2026House
  13. committee substitute agreed to

    2/23/2026House
  14. Read third time

    2/23/2026House
  15. Read second time

    2/20/2026House
  16. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB117)

    2/18/2026Senate
  17. Committee substitute printed 26107953D-H1

    2/18/2026House
  18. House committee offered

    2/18/2026House
  19. Reported from Education with substitute (15-Y 6-N)

    2/18/2026House
  20. Referred to Committee on Education

    2/3/2026House
  21. Read first time

    2/3/2026House
  22. Placed on Calendar

    2/3/2026House
  23. Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote (39-Y 0-N 0-A)

    1/27/2026Senate
  24. Engrossed by Senate Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    1/26/2026Senate
  25. Engrossed by Senate

    1/26/2026Senate

Bill Text

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