We are pleased to submit the enclosed copy of the Plan for Biennial Rebenchmarking of the Virginia Preschool Initiative. The plan describes a process for determining, recognizing, and bienially rebenchmarking the per-student funding amount of the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI). The plan has been developed as was requested by Item 145.A.14.i of the 2021 Appropriation Act:

i. The Department of Education shall develop a plan to determine, recognize, and biennially rebenchmark the per-student funding amount of the Virginia Preschool Initiative, similar to the current formula supporting public K-12 education in Virginia. In developing such plan, the Department shall (i) identify needs to implement such plan, including reporting from local school divisions, (ii) include relevant stakeholders, including school division finance staff and local Virginia Preschool Initiative administrators, (iii) identify any legislative or Appropriation Act amendments necessary for implementation, and (iv) plan for full implementation to benchmark the per-student funding amount of the Virginia Preschool Initiative.

The Plan explains the Virginia Department of Education’s process in determining the need for such a plan, the engagement of relevant stakeholders, identifies any action necessary for implementing such a plan, and proposes a methodology that is similar to the current formula supporting public K-12 education in Virginia. The plan reflects the most current cost drivers known for public education as of this time.

Please direct questions to Jenna Conway, Deputy Superintendent of Early Childhood Education, by email at Jenna.Conway@doe.virginia.gov.

Respectfully,

/s/ Dicky Shanor on behalf of Jillian Balow