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Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach already removed their statues, and a state law changed in July to allow it, so the ruling has little practical effect in Hampton Roads. But it settles a years-long debate.
Some things were different on this "first day of school," including masks and social distancing. Said one teacher: “It’s hard not to run up and hug them.”
Chairwoman Adale Martin said the public was welcome to attend, but the board chose not to announce the in-person meeting because a budget hearing could have drawn a large crowd.
Portsmouth students in pre-K through sixth grade have the option to return for in-person classes April 12. The school division was the last in Virginia to make plans to bring back at least some students.
Superintendent Sharon Byrdsong presented her proposed 2021-22 budget on Wednesday. The 350 million proposal is roughly what Norfolk budgeted this year before the coronavirus pandemic hit and city and state funding was cut.