Virginia Lawmakers to Tackle Education Priorities at The Hunt Institute’s 12th Annual Virginia Education Summit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 2, 2026 
Contact: Lorenzo Pedro 
lpedro@hunt-institute.org
 

Richmond, VA — The Hunt Institute in partnership with the Virginia Senate Education & Health and House Education Committees will co-host the 12th Annual Virginia Education Summit on October 5–6, 2026, at Virginia Commonwealth University’s James Branch Cabell Library in Richmond. The bipartisan convening will bring Virginia legislators together with leading researchers, educators, and policy experts to examine the Commonwealth’s education priorities and inform policymaking ahead of the 2027 General Assembly session.  

Co-chaired by Senator Barbara Favola and Delegate Sam Rasoul, the Summit brings legislators together with researchers, educators, and policy experts ahead of the 2027 General Assembly session. Participants include members of the Senate Education & Health, House Education, Senate Finance and Appropriations, and House Appropriations Committees. Sessions will focus on decisions facing the Commonwealth: expanding early learning access, supporting student well-being, preparing Virginians for a changing workforce, and so much more. 

“Good policy starts with understanding what students and educators need,” said Delegate Sam Rasoul, Summit Co-Chair and Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellow. “I thank The Hunt Institute for bringing lawmakers and education leaders together to hear directly from our schools, examine the research, and turn those insights into practical solutions for the next legislative session.”  

Special guests include Virginia Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi (Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellow), New Mexico Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales (Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellow, Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Jenna Conway, and Virginia Secretary of Finance Mark Sickles. They will join educators, researchers, higher education leaders, and other experts to examine the relationship between education policy, public investment, and the Commonwealth’s economic future. 

“Virginia’s education priorities must ensure that children have access to early childhood education, world class public schools and opportunities for college and career training throughout their adult careers,” said Senator Barbara Favola, Summit Co-Chair. “I am excited that this summit will examine the barriers that students and families face to achieving life-long learning opportunities and recommend policy solutions for addressing these barriers. It is incredibly important that every Virginian be given the opportunity to succeed, wherever they are in the learning process.” 

Policy Priorities at the 2026 Virginia Education Summit 

The agenda will address seven areas: 

• Virginia’s Next Phase in Early Learning: Expanding access to high-quality early childhood education while addressing financing, workforce needs, and parent choice. 

• Growing Up Digital: Examining how technology affects young children’s development and how to balance digital learning with play and human connection. 

• Technology and Student Focus: Hearing from superintendents and principals about classroom AI use, cellphone policies, and student well-being. 

• Virginia’s Attainment Imperative: Expanding access to degrees and credentials for rural students, working adults, student parents, and other Virginians. 

• Funding Student Success: Addressing fiscal pressures and directing education resources toward student needs and approaches backed by evidence. 

• Pathways for Justice-Involved Learners: Strengthening access to postsecondary education, workforce training, and employment during incarceration and after reentry. 

• Preparing Virginia’s Workforce for an AI-Driven Economy: Adapting education and training as AI reshapes jobs and employer expectations. 

“Strong foundational skills and clear pathways to careers are essential to Virginia’s future,” said Delegate Mike Cherry. “This important convening gives legislators an opportunity to ask tough questions about what is working, how we spend education dollars, and what educators need from us to help students succeed.” 

This Summit is open to the public, and a livestream will be available on The Hunt Institute’s YouTube channel.  

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About The Hunt Institute 

The Hunt Institute, an affiliate of Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, is a leader in transforming public education. Marshaling expertise from a nationwide partner network since its establishment in 2001, The Institute brings together people and resources that help build and nurture visionary leadership and mobilize strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success. For more information, please visit: www.hunt-institute.org