(SB1032)

GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6 of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto Senate Bill 1032, which removes the ability of local school divisions to provide written notice of noncontinuation for teachers on continuing contracts and shifts this responsibility solely to the teacher.

Currently, either the teacher or the school division must provide written notice of noncontinuation by June 15. If neither party provides notice, the contract automatically renews. This bill eliminates the school division's authority to provide such notice, thereby limiting its ability to make personnel decisions and effectively manage staffing needs.

This legislation arises from a single legal case in 2017 in Chesapeake City Schools, in which the court upheld the school division's actions. There is no widespread issue necessitating this statutory change, and no evidence suggests that the current process is flawed. The bill is a solution in search of a problem.

Further, removing school boards' ability to notify teachers of noncontinuation would create operational challenges, particularly in school divisions that need flexibility to adjust staffing. It is essential to preserve local decision-making authority in personnel matters rather than shift it entirely to the teacher.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.