Subcommittee moves to close loophole on tenured teachers' due‑process rights (HB 125)

The submission subcommittee reported HB 125, a bill that clarifies existing Virginia Code language so continuing‑contract (commonly called tenured) teachers retain the procedural protections of notice and ability to request reasons and documentation when a division chooses not to continue a contract.

Delegate Reeser told the panel the bill corrects imprecise statutory text that one school division had interpreted to allow nonrenewal without due process. "This inaccuracy also creates a disparity between probationary teachers that get basic procedural rights and the continuing contract teachers," Reeser said, adding the bill does not change school boards' dismissal powers.

Chad Stewart of the Virginia Education Association said local practice has mostly complied but cited one division that dismissed teachers without prompt due process, leaving affected teachers unpaid and hampering their ability to transfer or maintain licensure.

The clerk recorded the subcommittee's vote to report the bill (transcript: 'That bill reports 9 to 1'). HB 125 will proceed for further consideration.