Newsroom

YCSDigest - October 11, 2023

YCSD Earns High Marks

The York County School Division is proud to announce its achievement as one of the top three school divisions in Virginia, and the top division in Hampton Roads. These rankings are according to Niche, a leading and prominent school ranking and review website. As noted during a presentation on per pupil expenses during Monday’s School Board Work Session, the two school divisions (Falls Church City and Arlington) ranked higher than YCSD spend approximately twice as much per pupil as YCSD annually.

This announcement came less than just a month after U.S. News & World Report released its ranking of the Best High Schools in Virginia for 2023-24 and our schools outperformed most high schools in the state. Both recognitions highlight the division’s mission to ensure every student is valued, supported and challenged through learning experiences, which prepare them for a successful future.

School Board Approves Staff Pay Increase

The York County School Board has unanimously approved an additional 2% raise for all full-time and permanent part-time employees, effective November 1. This brings the total salary increase for staff for FY24 to 7% or higher.

The state budget, approved by the General Assembly in September, included funding for the state’s share of a 2% salary increase for school division employees. The state budget calls for raises to be implemented starting January 1, 2024. The School Board recognizes the importance of a strong compensation package in supporting the division’s Strategic Plan priority of recruiting and retaining highly effective talent and supports the staff recommendation to implement the increase for all staff in November.

Impact Aid Forms Due

Impact Aid is a federal program developed to provide funding to school systems serving federally connected children or which are located in a locality with tax-exempt federal property, such as military bases or national parks. The funds help significantly reduce the local funding necessary to ensure all students acquire knowledge, skills, habits and traits necessary for success in future educational experiences, the workforce, and life.

Each completed survey response helps determine the amount YCSD will receive – in past years, the division has received more than $8 million in Impact Aid funds. This is why EVERY family, even those who are not in the military or work on federal property, is asked to complete the survey for each child enrolled in the division. The form is now available in Rycor and only takes a few minutes to complete. Please complete these forms by Monday, October 23.

More information about Impact Aid is available on the division website, or you can contact the division with questions via Let’s Talk – AskYCSD.

Complete the Impact Aid Form

DoDEA Grant Award

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Military-Connected Local Educational Agencies for Academic and Support Programs (MCASP) has awarded a $2 million grant to YCSD to support an Environmental and Maritime Science Career Pathways program.

The program will span all school levels; elementary, middle and high. At the elementary and middle school levels, the objective is to increase military-connected elementary and middle school students’ awareness and exploration of careers within Environmental or Maritime Science pathways. At the high school level, the program increases military-connected high school students’ college, career, and civic readiness. Students who participate in the program will complete the requirements for the Virginia Governor’s STEM Academy diploma in the identified pathway.

YCSD has partnered with the Old Dominion University Center for Educational Partnerships, Mariner’s Museum and Park, Nauticus, and the Virginia Institute for Marine Science (VIMS) to implement the program.

Community Announcements

The York County School Division offers local businesses and organizations the opportunity to share information with students and parents regarding educational/enrichment activities, events and opportunities, which are either available to YCSD students or support division programs. These flyers are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the York County School Division or the schools, but are made available as a community service for our families.

Community announcements can also be found on the division website and each school's website.