District 8
A Thoughtful Approach to Student Achievement and School Board Leadership
Over my past two terms of service on the Virginia Beach School Board, I have sought to ensure that every student, within the context of an inclusive and welcoming learning environment, has access to the quality instruction and resources they need to prepare for whatever paths they may choose after leaving Virginia Beach City Public Schools. I've relied on my experience as a parent of successful graduates of VBCPS, in business training and management, on governing boards and in the classroom to thoughtfully approach and lead School Board discussion and decision-making. In my third year offering steady leadership as School Board Chair, I ask for your support to allow me to continue to serve the students and citizens of Virginia Beach as a member of your School Board. Together we can lift up all students.
Division Achievements since 2018
100% School Accreditation Continues
All Virginia Beach City Public Schools have met or exceeded state requirements for accreditation during this time period. This achievement is a credit to efforts of VBCPS to focus attention and resources on schools and areas of need and the high expectations of the School Board.Most recently, and based on the 2021-22 data, it is projected that 100% of our 82 testing schools will once again earn full accreditation for the 2022-23 school year.
Record On-time Graduation Rates
For the 13th consecutive year, Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) reached record levels with respect to the On-Time Graduation (OTG) rate, which stands at 94.9% for the 2021 cohort year, and the lowest recorded dropout rate of 2.7%. VBCPS also outperformed Virginia's rates of 93% for OTG and 4.3% for dropouts.
Focus on Career and Technical Education
VBCPS Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offer cutting-edge career and technical experiences for students to explore a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, high-demand career pathways. Veterinary Science, Secondary Visual Arts (Digital Media & Design; AP Digital Art), and a pathway to Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School are a sampling of new CTE course offerings in our comprehensive high schools and specialty programs. In 2019 VBCPS crossed over the 100,000 credential mark for industry credentials, far exceeding any other school district in the state. VBCPS offers more than 100 industry credential tests.
Access to Instructional Technology
VBCPS' 1:1 computer to student ratio (since 2018-19) proved to be a valuable asset with the swift pivot to virtual learning in 2020 as a result of the pandemic. The Center for Digital Education has recognized the division as a Top Ten District of its size.
Expansion of Dual-Enrollment in College Courses
Students may take courses that meet requirements for high school graduation while simultaneously earning college credit at Tidewater Community College (TCC). Grades are awarded according to the policies of the college, and credit earned for the courses taken can be transferred to other public colleges in Virginia. Dual enrollment courses are offered during the regular school day.
Recognized as Best Community for Music Education
VBCPS was honored for the 13th consecutive year as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, placing it in the top 5% of districts across the nation to receive this prestigious award.
Excellence in Student Leadership
For the third consecutive year, all VBCPS comprehensive high schools earned the National Gold Council of Excellence Award from the National Association of Student Councils (NASC), representing more than 50% of the schools in Virginia on the list of awardees.
More Opportunities for Dual Language Immersion
Dual language immersion (DLI) is an educational model that provides students the opportunity to learn core VBCPS curriculum through the lens of a second language. DLI was expanded in 2021-22 with implementation for Kindergarten at Bayside and Cooke Elementary Schools, with feeder schools Bayside 6th Grade and Middle, and VB Middle to follow in 2027-28. On a related note, 295 Biliteracy Seals were awarded divisionwide in 2021, with forthcoming data expected to exceed that for 2022.
Record Scholarships Awarded to Graduates
Our high school counselors are working together, as a team, to provide all of our graduating seniors opportunities to apply for financial assistance to the college or university of choice. Scholarship Central serves as one primary resource; our local college fair another. The VBCPS Class of 2022 was offered over $85 million in scholarships, and accepted in excess of $54 million. This figure represents $11 more than 2021, and $20 million more than 2020.
Please Support Carolyn
There are a number of ways you can support Carolyn's campaign for re-election to the Virginia Beach School Board. Immediately, we are in need of campaign funds to purchase items like campaign literature and signs. On election day, we'll need people willing to greet voters at their polling places and encourage them to vote to re-elect Carolyn Rye.