Virginia Moves to Embrace Virtual Education

Bills Supporting Online Schools Approved by Wide Margins

Online schools aided by state funds appear to be heading to Virginia after both chambers of the legislature last week passed virtual and charter school measures pushed by Gov. Bob McDonnell.

The Senate approved bills March 9 that would give the state a role in the creation and financing of such schools, despite objections from some lawmakers that doing so would raid public school funding in a time of unprecedented budget cuts.

The state House of Delegates had approved the measures the day before. Gov.McDonnell, a Republican, said the legislation would particularly benefit...