CHARLOTTESVILLE -- Gov. Bob McDonnell signed legislation today establishing college and university lab schools as another option to educate Virginia's public school children.
McDonnell signed the legislation at the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia, which the governor said has expressed an interest in hosting one of the lab schools.
"College partnership laboratory schools will give public school students new opportunities to learn in a challenging environment, taught by great teachers from Virginia’s universities," McDonnell said in a statement.
"Lab schools offer students more flexibility, innovation and autonomy, while providing access to the state-of-the-art resources possessed by our Commonwealth’s institutions of higher learning."
Among those joining McDonnell for the signing ceremony was Del. Christopher K. Peace, R-Hanover, sponsor of the legislation in the house, along with Del. Jennifer L. McClellan, D-Richmond, a co-sponsor, and Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones, who promoted lab schools when he ran for mayor for two years ago and introduced similar legislation in 2006.
Jones said he's particularly interested in starting lab schools at the middle school level when the city schools now see many students leaving the system. The mayor added that he has spoken to several area colleges and universities about the idea including Virginia Commonwealth University, but described the conversations as very preliminary.
Earlier, the governor cut a green ribbon at a formerly closed rest area along Interstate 85 in Dinwiddie County, and said
reopening the stops are a smart move for public safety and tourism.
"For a small price this is a little ray of good news," he said.
Former Gov. Timothy M. Kaine closed 15 of Virginia' rest stops to save the state about $9 million. But McDonnell said that through some efficiencies, it will likely cost the state less to return them to operation. McDonnell today was highlighting the reopening of eight of those rest areas.
As the governor wrapped up the ribbon cutting, two women with small children whisked in, armed with baby wipes.
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