Virginia Legislators to Convene for 2025 Education Summit Focused on Bipartisan Solutions and Research-Driven Policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 15, 2025

Contact: Jonathan Ortiz

jortiz@hunt-institute.org | (984) 256-8548 

CARY, N.C. — Virginia lawmakers will gather on Tuesday, December 16, at the Library of Virginia for the 2025 Virginia Education Summit, an annual bipartisan convening of the House Education Committee and the Senate Education & Health Committee. Members of the Senate Finance and Appropriations and House Appropriations Committees are also invited to attend. Since 2015, the Summit has served as a cornerstone of collaborative, research-grounded policymaking in the Commonwealth — offering legislators the opportunity to explore key education issues with state and national experts before shaping their legislative agendas.

“I thank The Hunt Institute for bringing leading education experts to Richmond,” said Delegate Sam Rasoul. “I’m eager for my House Education Committee colleagues to hear from them and generate ideas on how we can work together for students in the next legislative session.”

Co-chaired by Lieutenant Governor–elect Ghazala Hashmi, Senator David Suetterlein, Delegate Sam Rasoul, and Delegate Mike Cherry, the Summit brings together legislators, resource experts, and education leaders from across Virginia for two days of learning, dialogue, and strategic planning spanning the full education continuum.

“The convening will provide legislators with insights from education leaders across Virginia,” said Delegate Mike Cherry, “helping guide student-focused decisions that strengthen schools, families, and communities throughout the Commonwealth.”

“The Summit will be a unique opportunity for members of the legislature to hear from education and business leaders,” said Lieutenant Governor–elect Ghazala Hashmi. “I’m excited about the upcoming discussions and the connections we will make as we develop proposals to strengthen Virginia’s workforce, grow our economy, and improve education.”

“As education becomes increasingly complex, it’s critical that policymakers have space to examine the issues deeply and collaboratively,” said Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President & CEO of The Hunt Institute. “This Summit continues a decade-long tradition of giving Virginia legislators the data, best practices, and professional insights they need to make informed, student-centered decisions.”

What to Expect at the 2025 Summit 

The 2025 Summit’s agenda, with priorities shaped by the co-chairs, will focus on several areas across the education continuum—from early learning and K-12 to higher education and workforce development. Sessions include:

• Advancing Early Childhood Education in Virginia

• Rethinking Literacy Reform Implementation: Results, Pressures, and Innovations

• Special Education in Virginia: Bridging Policy Gaps for Students with Disabilities

• Professional Perspectives with Superintendents and Principals

• Approaches to Address Student Mental Health Challenges

• Shared Governance and Financial Resilience in Higher Education

• Building Virginia’s Workforce: Education, Innovation, and AI

While this meeting is open to the public, seating is limited. For those unable to attend in person, the Summit will be live-streamed on The Hunt Institute’s YouTube channel (click here).

Shaping Education Policy: Preparing for 2026 

As in past years, the Summit gives lawmakers direct access to leading education experts, local superintendents, principals, teachers, and leaders in early childhood and higher education, offering valuable insights ahead of the 2026 General Assembly session. Participants will engage with key topics such as K–12 innovation, early childhood development, special education, workforce alignment, and postsecondary strategy, while gaining perspectives from both state and national education leaders.

About The Hunt Institute 

The Hunt Institute, an affiliate of the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, is a recognized leader in the movement to transform 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: http://www.hunt-institute.org/