What’s Changing

We know that many SCS families may be affected by the federal government's decision to suspend SNAP food benefits (formerly known as food stamps) during the shutdown.

While a federal judge has ruled that the government must continue SNAP benefits during the shutdown by using emergency funds, uncertainty remains about when families will receive the funds and whether the payments will be sufficient.

In Staunton City Schools, more than 80 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, illustrating how deeply food insecurity could affect SCS families.

The SCS Student Services department is already serving a significantly higher population of families without stable housing, and the need for food assistance has increased. Ten percent of our student population will receive supplemental food support during extended school breaks this school year. 

To help fill the gap, the state announced the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) program effective today. Families who already receive SNAP benefits will get a weekly, state-funded food payment on their existing EBT card.

For example, a household that usually receives $200 each month will instead get $50 each week during the shutdown, according to the state. VENA will be issued on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays, according to the existing staggered issuance schedule. 

We recognize that this approach, while helpful, may not fully cover the loss of federal SNAP benefits for families. 

✅ Learn More: Details on VENA are available at dss.virginia.gov/snapfacts.

✅ Find Food Resources: Visit the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank’s Food Finder tool to locate nearby food pantries for food assistance.

What’s Changing

The Virginia Board of Education recently voted to raise cut scores, or the passing benchmarks, for reading and math SOL tests.

While higher expectations can be positive, SCS educators and others across Virginia caution that without time, training, and additional resources, the change could widen achievement gaps, especially for students with disabilities, English learners, and families facing financial hardship. State projections show that fewer than half of students would pass the tests with the new cut scores.

Education leaders are urging the Board to combine higher standards with strong support for teachers and schools. Scott Braband, executive director of the Virginia Association of School Superintendents, recently told the Washington Post, “Raising expectations is important, but we must also raise the support that helps students reach them.”

Here in Staunton City Schools, we are advocating for a delay in implementation and supporting a multi-year, phased-in approach. A gradual rollout will give schools time to adjust instruction, curriculum, and assessments thoughtfully rather than mid-year, helping all learners succeed.

In the meantime, we’ll continue to do what SCS does best: set high expectations and inspire students through engaging learning experiences.