The Virginia State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Lisa Coons, have approved a waiver request from Tazewell County Public Schools (TCPS) to adjust the instructional hours for the 2024-2025 school year. This waiver, granted under Section 22.1-98 of the Code of Virginia, exempts TCPS from the requirement to provide additional teaching days or hours to make up for school closures due to the recent state of emergency and ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. All TCPS schools have been granted a waiver of 45.5 instructional hours, allowing TCPS to deliver a minimum of 944.5 teaching hours or 173 school days rather than the usual 990 hours or 180 days for the current school year. This adjustment enables TCPS to prioritize safety, recovery, and the well-being of students, staff, and the larger community as the division continues to address the significant impact of the storm.
Dr. Christopher Stacy, Superintendent of TCPS, expressed gratitude for the state’s understanding and support: "This waiver allows us to focus on our community’s recovery while maintaining a commitment to high-quality education. We are thankful to the State Board of Education and Superintendent Lisa Coons for their consideration of our unique circumstances, and we are dedicated to providing the best possible learning environment despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene."
TCPS remains committed to delivering an instructional program that meets or exceeds state standards, and the division will continue to engage students in meaningful educational experiences throughout the school year.