HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - School divisions across the state and the Valley continue to deal with understaffing as the new school year approaches. Both Harrisonburg and Rockingham County Schools still have positions to fill. According to job postings on its website, Harrisonburg City Schools has around 50 open positions.

A lawsuit alleging the Albemarle County schools superintendent defamed a former employee is no more. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice last week after both parties involved agreed to the dismissal. The order came after a confidential settlement conference last month.

VIRGINIA BEACH - The School Board gave the thumbs up to "explore the possibility" of a program for students struggling with substance abuse. "Recovery schools need to create a learning environment where student can receive an excellent education while also gaining support for recovery," said Robert Jamison, executive director of student support services.

RICHMOND, Va. - With about a month left before most schools in Central Virginia open their doors, staffing shortages remain an issue. Near the top of that list is the need for school bus drivers. To combat the shortages, most school districts are offering higher pay and incentives, but, even with those incentives, dozens of drivers are still needed.

With the start of a new school year about a month away, school divisions around the Valley are looking to add staff. Harrisonburg City Public Schools still has a handful of positions to fill before students return to the classroom in late August.

NORFOLK - The head of the Norfolk Public School Board says citizens' comments will be limited to agenda items only for the July and August meetings. Previously, the board has heard from the public on both agenda and non-agenda items during the comment period. However, Wednesday's business meeting only allowed for comments related to the agenda.

By Stefanie Jackson - Accomack County Public Schools career and technical education students have been busy with summer activities and achievements, Director of Secondary Education Karen Taylor told the school board Tuesday night.

Madeline Saia's writing recently set a precedent: As an elementary school 11-year-old, she's the first Montgomery County student to place nationally in a certain essay contest. And the subject was not about what she's doing over summer vacation. The topic was a bit heavier - finance and investing.

WINCHESTER - The Frederick County School Board is seeking a new interim superintendent in the wake of J. David Martin's sudden resignation. Martin served as interim superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools for 19 days, from July 1 until his resignation was accepted by the School Board on Tuesday night on a 6-1 vote, effective immediately.

Richmond Public Schools is taking big steps to find new teachers for the upcoming school year. In a 6-1 vote Monday night, the Richmond School Board approved new hiring incentives in an effort to address a shortage in school staff across the city.