Subcommittee refers bill to develop flexible funding and data process for English learners to appropriations

Delegate presented House Bill 2032 to define a state-funded add-on for English learner (EL) students and direct the Virginia Department of Education to develop a data-collection process to better match funding to student need. The sponsor cited the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) 2023 study that recommended an EL funding add-on closer to 40% of base costs versus the current Virginia average near 19%.

Chad Stewart of the Virginia Education Association told committee members that flexible funding beyond classroom EL teacher positions is needed for curriculum, professional development and services that allow divisions to meet higher expectations in the state’s accountability system. Virginia Department of Education Chief Operations Officer Christina Burda testified in opposition, urging that the funding formula be considered comprehensively and that VDOE does not support piecemeal statutory changes without valid supporting data and an overall formula redesign; the administration has signaled support for a larger formula overhaul in the budget.

After discussion Delegate Rossell moved to report and refer HB 2032 to appropriations; the clerk recorded the vote as 5 to 2. Supporters urged including a budget amendment for the add-on while opponents urged a full formula review.

What’s next: HB 2032 was reported and referred to appropriations 5-2; further work in appropriations and the broader formula review will determine fiscal outcomes and whether JLARC recommendations are implemented.