# Governor Spanberger Visits Students & Teachers in Henrico, Discusses Focus on Continuing to Strengthen Virginia Schools

Date: 9 Oct 2026
Released by: Office of Governor Abigail Spanberger

## MediaRelease.co Summary

Governor Abigail Spanberger visited Glen Lea Elementary School in Henrico County, which recorded the sixth-largest score gain of any Virginia elementary school in the 2026 School Performance and Support Framework results and moved to full accreditation. She cited a record $2 billion in new education funding in the state budget. Spanberger also pledged to carry out accountability changes recommended by JLARC.

## Original release

HENRICO, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today visited Glen Lea Elementary School in Henrico County to meet with students and educators and discuss the newly-announced 2026 School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF) results — on which Glen Lea had the sixth-largest rise in scores of any elementary school in the Commonwealth, moving from conditional accreditation to full accreditation. During the visit, Governor Spanberger reiterated her focus on continuing to strengthen Virginia public schools and make sure every student is set up for success. Virginia’s bipartisan biennial budget, signed by Governor Spanberger earlier this year, includes a record $2 billion in new education funding — the largest investment in public education in Virginia history. “It was truly an honor to spend time with the students, teachers, and support staff at Glen Lea Elementary this morning,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “The remarkable growth this school has achieved is a testament to the hard work, unwavering dedication, and collective commitment of the entire school community. With record new investment in public education in our bipartisan state budget, I look forward to continuing to support teachers and parents, strengthen schools, and work to make sure every student in Virginia is receiving the high-quality education they deserve.” Governor Spanberger also underscored her commitment to implementing the critical improvements to the accountability system recommended by the Joint Legislative and Audit Review Commission (JLARC). The Spanberger Administration — through the Governor’s issuing of Executive Order 4, signing of HB643, and actions by the Virginia Department of Education — is working to provide clearer data, increased accuracy, and greater transparency to educators, students, and families than the previous system. Governor Spanberger continued, “We know we need to do more to address the challenges that remain in schools across our Commonwealth. Parents and families deserve to know their children are fully supported in the classroom, and we are focused on using this data to target investments to schools where students need it most. That’s why I recently announced more than $26 million in new funding specifically for schools serving Virginia’s highest-needs students.” Governor Spanberger was joined by Secretary of Education Dr. Jeffery Smith, Superintendent of Public Instruction Jenna Conway, Senator Lamont Bagby, Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling, and education leaders from Henrico County. “Today, we celebrated the remarkable growth at Glen Lea Elementary and at schools across the Commonwealth where students and educators are making incredible strides,” said Secretary Jeffery Smith. “As we walked the halls, the persistence, positivity, and unwavering dedication of the educators and staff were exhilarating. It was a reminder that student success is a collective effort — from division leadership and principals to support staff and dedicated teachers. I left feeling incredibly grateful for the work happening in our classrooms and energized by what’s possible for the future of Virginia’s schools.” “We are proud to spotlight the steady growth Glen Lea continues to make. It is a testament to the deep investments of its educators, families, and the Henrico County Public Schools' leadership,” said Superintendent Jenna Conway. “Their belief in the capabilities of their learners, and their commitment to unlocking success for all children is commendable. Virginia’s School Performance and Support Framework calls for growing every learner, every day and we are pleased to see so many schools across the Commonwealth, like Glen Lea, answering that call.” “We were deeply humbled and honored to welcome Governor Spanberger, her executive team, and other dignitaries to join us in celebrating Glen Lea Elementary School, where faculty, staff, and scholars achieved an extraordinary 15-point growth on the state performance framework,” said Glen Lea Elementary Principal James Gordon. “This accomplishment shines a bright light on the rich teaching and learning happening every day in our classrooms and the support of our amazing community partners. I want to express my deepest gratitude to our incredible young scholars, supportive families, and dedicated faculty and staff. Their commitment, collaboration, and unwavering passion make achievements like this possible. The Glen Lea Lions have PRIDE IN EVERY ROAR!” “I am incredibly proud of the remarkable academic strides and growth our school division has achieved at all levels and across multiple performance and accountability indicators,” said Division Superintendent Dr. Amy Cashwell. “Earning full state accreditation at every single one of our schools for the first time in 25 years is an historic milestone and a powerful testament to the talent and hard work of our entire Henrico Schools family.”

## Key details

- Issued by: Office of Governor Abigail Spanberger
- Published: 9 Oct 2026
- Publisher country: United States
- Subject country/region: Virginia (United States)
- Original source: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/october-releases/name-1124659-en.html
- MediaRelease.co URL: https://mediarelease.co/us/mr01749-governor-spanberger-visits-students-teachers-in-henrico-09102026.html

Original source: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/october-releases/name-1124659-en.html
MediaRelease.co canonical URL: https://mediarelease.co/us/mr01749-governor-spanberger-visits-students-teachers-in-henrico-09102026.html