Required Notifications
Greene County Public Schools (GCPS) maintains this web page to comply with certain requirements for school divisions regarding notifications, public hearings, and postings set forth by federal code, state code or regulation, and/or Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) policy.
- Asbestos
- Availability of School Division Policy and Regulations
- Budget
- Child Nutrition Programs
- Code of Student Conduct, Compulsory Attendance Law, Parental Responsibility and Involvement
- Cost Per Pupil
- Counseling
- Credits Required for Graduation
- Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement Classes & Special Programs
- Eating Disorders Awareness Information
- Emergency Procedures
- English Learners
- Fees
- FERPA
- Gifted Education Plan
- Graduation Requirements
- High School Credit - Bearing Courses Taken in Middle School
- Homeless Students
- Internet Privacy
- Learning Objectives
- NAEP
- Nondiscrimination
- Parent & Family Engagement Policy
- Postsecondary Education & Employment Data
- PPRA (Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment)
- Promotion, Retention & Remediation Policies
- Prosecution of Juveniles as Adults
- Pupil/Teacher Ratios
- Release of Student Records to Armed Forces Recruiters & Educational Institutions
- Report Cards/Quality Profiles
- School Bus Rider Safety Rules
- Services for Students Identified as Deaf or Hard of Hearing or Visually Impaired
- Sex Offender Registry
- Special Education
- Standards of Learning (SOLs)
- Student Achievement
- Tobacco & Nicotine Vapor Products
- Teacher Qualifications
- Testing Transparency & Opt Out
- Voluntary Retirement Savings Programs
- Wellness Policies
- Youth Health Risk Behavior Survey
Asbestos
Availability of School Division Policy and Regulations
Budget
Upon approval of the school division’s budget by the appropriating body every year, the school board must publish the approved annual budget, in line item form, including the estimated required local match, on the division’s website. The document must also be made available in hard copy as needed for citizens for inspection. Va. Code § 22.1-93.
website>departments>Business & Facilities
Child Nutrition Programs
Each division which participates in the Free and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools programs must notify parents and the public about the programs. VSBA Policy EFB Food Services; 42 U.S.C. § 1758; 7 C.F.R. 245.2, 7 C.F.R. 245.5. Divisions must also provide notice that they do not discriminate on the basis of handicap. 7 C.F.R. 15b.7.
website>School Nutrition>School Nutrition Programs
Code of Student Conduct, Compulsory Attendance Law, Parental Responsibility and Involvement
Within one calendar month of the opening of school, each division must, simultaneously with any other materials customarily distributed at that time, send to the parents of each enrolled student
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a notice of the requirements of Va. Code § 22.1-279.3 regarding parental responsibility and involvement (Va. Code § 22.1-279.3.C(i));
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a copy of the school division’s standards of student conduct VSBA Policy JFC-R Standards of Student Conduct) JFC Student Conduct; Va. Code § 22.1-279.3.C(ii)); and
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a copy of the compulsory school attendance law and the enforcement procedures and policies adopted by the school board (Va. Code § 22.1-279.3.C(iii)).
You can find the student handbook below:
https://www.greenecountyschools.com/students2/studenthandbook
Cost Per Pupil
The superintendent must prepare and distribute notification of the estimated average per pupil cost for public education in the division for the upcoming school year. The notice must also include actual per pupil state and local education expenditures for the previous school year. The notice may include federal funds spent for public education in the division. The notice shall be made available in a form provided by DOE and published on the school division’s website or in hard copy on request. The notice should be printed on a form prescribed by the Board of Education and distributed to school divisions for publication. VSBA Policy DIA Reporting Per Pupil Costs; Va. Code § 22.1-92.
https://www.greenecountyschools.com/departments/departments/other-data-information
Counseling
Each school provides the following guidance and counseling services to all students:
- Academic guidance which assists students and their parents to acquire knowledge of the curricula choices available to students, to plan a program of studies, to arrange and interpret academic testing and to seek post- secondary academic opportunities.
- Career guidance which helps students to acquire information and plan action about work, jobs, apprenticeships and post-secondary educational and career opportunities.
- Personal/social counseling which assists a student to develop an understanding of themselves, the rights and needs of others, how to resolve conflict and to define individual goals, reflecting their interests, abilities and aptitudes. Information and records of personal/social counseling will be kept confidential and separate from a student's educational records and not disclosed to third parties without prior parental consent or as otherwise provided by law. Parents may elect, by notifying their child’s school in writing, to have their child not participate in personal/social counseling.
No student is required to participate in any counseling program to which the student's parents object.
The guidance and counseling program does not include the use of counseling techniques which are beyond the scope of the professional certification or training of counselors, including hypnosis, or other psychotherapeutic techniques that are normally employed in medical or clinical settings and focus on mental illness or psychopathology.
Parents are notified annually about the counseling programs which are available to their children. The notification will include the purpose and general description of the programs, information regarding ways parents may review materials to be used in guidance and counseling programs at their child's school and information about the procedures by which parents may limit their child's participation in such programs.
Employment Counseling and Placement Services
The School Board provides to secondary students' employment counseling and placement services to furnish information relating to the employment opportunities available to students graduating from or leaving the schools in the school division. Such information includes all types of employment opportunities, including, but not limited to, apprenticeships, the military, career education schools and the teaching profession. In providing such services, the School Board consults and cooperates with the Virginia Employment Commission, the Department of Labor and Industry, local business and labor organizations and career schools.
If the School Board provides access to one or more of its high schools and contact with such high school's student body or other contact with its high school students during a school or school division-sponsored activity to persons or groups for occupational, professional or educational recruitment, it provides equal access on the same basis to official recruiting representatives of the military forces of the Commonwealth and the United States.
https://go.boarddocs.com/va/gcs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BNEW5G83C13E
Credits Required for Graduation
See view the diploma types offered at WMHS and credits required for graduation click the button below.
Diploma Types
Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement Classes & Special Programs
2024 - 2025 Course Offerings can be found at the following link:
https://wmhs.greenecountyschools.com/our-school/school-counseling-center/2023-2024-course-offerings
Dual Enrollment information can be found at the following link:
https://wmhs.greenecountyschools.com/our-school/school-counseling-center/2023-2024-course-offerings
Career Technical Education Notices can be found at the following link:
https://gctec.greenecountyschools.com/career-and-technical-education-center-annual-notice-clone-2
Virginia Blue Ridge Governor's School information can be found at the following link:
https://www.greenecountyschools.com/departments/instruction/governor-s-schools
Eating Disorders Awareness Information
The Code of Virginia requires that each school board provide educational information regarding eating disorders to parents of students in grades 5 through 12 on an annual basis, and that such information be consistent with guidelines set forth by the Department of Education.
The following information includes excerpts from the brochure, What Is an Eating Disorder?, published by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders:
What is an eating disorder?
Eating disorders are real, complex, bio-psycho-social diseases that can have serious consequences for health, productivity and relationships. They are not fads, phases, or lifestyle choices.
The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, orthorexia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Other eating disorders include: avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, rumination disorder, pica, other specified feeding or eating disorder, and unspecified feeding or eating disorder.
People struggling with an eating disorder often become obsessed with food, body image, and/or weight. These disorders can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated appropriately. The earlier a person receives treatment, the greater the likelihood of full recovery.
Who’s at risk?
Anyone can develop an eating disorder regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, culture, size, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation. Eating disorders also impact the family, friends, and loved ones of someone struggling.
What are the warning signs of an eating disorder?
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Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, dieting, and/or body image
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Development of abnormal, secretive, extreme, or ritualized food or eating habits
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Withdrawal from usual friends and activities
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Evidence of binge eating, such as the disappearance of a large amount of food
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Evidence of purging behaviors, including frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, self-induced vomiting, periods of fasting or laxative, diet pill, or diuretic abuse
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Compulsive or excessive exercising
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Discoloration or staining of the teeth
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Feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, or irritability
While the signs listed may indicate an eating disorder, they are not all-inclusive. If you are concerned about someone and they are not demonstrating these warning signs, speak with them or seek professional guidance.
How can I get help for my child?
Early detection and treatment of eating disorders offer the best opportunity for positive outcomes and minimal long-term consequences. If you think your child may be showing signs of a possible eating disorder, please contact your primary health care provider, your child’s school nurse, or one of the following online resources:
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National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): Help & Support
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Families Empowered And Supporting Treatment for Eating Disorders (F.E.A.S.T.): Info for Parents
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Academy for Eating Disorders (AED): Find an Expert
Additional Resources
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Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders (F.E.A.S.T.)
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National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
Educational Materials
Emergency Procedures
Safe School Drills will be held periodically throughout the school year. The purpose of these drills are to prepare students and staff for emergency situations. Greene County Public School staff and/or emergency personnel will be giving students directions when there is a need to conduct a drill or evacuation. Safe school drills include the following:
FIRE DRILL: When the alarm sounds, please leave the room in a safe and orderly manner. Directions for leaving the room will be given to students by teachers during the first week of school. If the alarm sounds during a change of classes, students should leave the building using the nearest exit. Staff and students will be notified when it is safe to re-enter the building. Unless otherwise instructed, students will return to the classroom last occupied.
EVACUATION DRILL: In the event the building needs to be evacuated during the school day, students and staff will participate in a practice evacuation drill at the beginning of the school year. Students will receive details regarding these drills from their teachers.
INTRUDER DRILL: To enhance student safety and staff preparedness, students will participate in multiple intruder drills. Details will be provided to students by teachers.
TORNADO DRILL: An announcement will be made over the intercom alerting teachers and students to begin this drill. Students will move into the hallways or into interior classrooms away from outside doors. Students will sit along the wall with their hands and arms protecting their heads. Students will be notified by intercom or in person at the conclusion of this drill.
English Learners
School divisions receiving federal funds to provide a language instruction educational program must, not later than 30 days after the beginning of the school year, inform the parents of English learners of the following:
- The reasons for the identification of their child as an English learner and in need of placement in a language instruction educational program
- The child's level of English proficiency, how such level was assessed, and the status of the child's academic achievement
- The methods of instruction used in the program in which their child is, or will be participating, and the methods of instruction used in other available programs, including how such programs differ in content, instructional goals, and the use of English and a native language in instruction
- How the program in which their child is, or will be participating, will meet the educational strengths and needs of their child
- How such program will specifically help their child learn English and meet age-appropriate academic achievement standards for grade promotion and graduation
- The specific exit requirements for the program, including the expected rate of transition from such program into classrooms that are not tailored for English learners and the expected rate of graduation from high school (including four-year adjusted cohort graduation rates and extended-year adjusted cohort graduation rates for such program) if federal funds are used for children in high schools in the case of a child with a disability, how such program meets the objectives of the individualized education program of the child.
- Information pertaining to parental rights that includes written guidance detailing
- The parents’ right to have their child immediately removed from such program upon their request and
- The options that parents have to decline to enroll their child in such program or to choose another program or method of instruction, if available
- Information pertaining to parental rights that includes written guidance assisting parents in selecting among various programs and methods of instruction, if more than one program or method is offered by the division
20 U.S.C. § 6312(e)(3).
For those children who have not been identified as English learners prior to the beginning of the school year, the division must give the notifications listed above to parents within the first two weeks of the child being placed in a language instruction educational program. 20 U.S.C. § 6312(e)(3).
In addition, parents of English learners will be notified regarding parental involvement opportunities in the same manner as notice is given regarding other Title I programs. 20 U.S.C. § 6312(e)(3).
Fees
The school division’s policy regarding student fees and the fee schedule must be provided to parents annually and posted on the division’s website. VSBA Policy JN Student Fees, Fines and Charges; 8 VAC 20-720-80.B.
https://go.boarddocs.com/va/gcs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BNGUZV7E8AE7
FERPA
School divisions must provide parents/guardians and adult students annual notice of their rights to inspect and review education records, amend education records, consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information in education records and file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. 34 C.F.R. § 99.7.
https://go.boarddocs.com/va/gcs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BNGV4H7EEB23
Gifted Education Plan
You can view GCPS's Gifted Education Plan at the link below:
https://www.greenecountyschools.com/departments/instruction/gifted-education
Graduation Requirements
See view the diploma types offered at WMHS and credits required for graduation click the button below.
Diploma Types
High School Credit - Bearing Courses Taken in Middle School
For any high school credit-bearing course taken in middle school, parents may request that grades be omitted from the student's transcript and the student not earn high school credit for the course in accordance with policies adopted by the local school board. Notice of this provision must be provided to parents with a deadline and format for making such a request. VSBA Policy JO Student Records; 8 VAC 20-131-90.
Homeless Students
Each division must provide public notice of the education rights of the homeless students enrolled in the division. 42 U.S.C. § 11432(e)(3)(C)(i). The notice is to be disseminated in places where homeless students receive services, including schools, family shelters, and soup kitchens. 42 U.S.C. § 11432 (g)(6)(A)(vi). The notice must be in a “manner and form” understandable to homeless students and their parents/guardians, “including, if necessary and to the extent feasible,” in their native language. VSBA Policy JECA Admission of Homeless Students; 42 U.S.C. § 11432(e)(3)(C)(iii).
https://go.boarddocs.com/va/gcs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BNG5AW0F5D23
Internet Privacy
Every school division that has an Internet website must make its Internet privacy policy statement conspicuously available on its website. At a minimum, the statement must address
- what information, including personally identifiable information, will be collected, if any;
- whether any information will be automatically collected simply by accessing the website and, if so, what information;
- whether the website automatically places a computer file, commonly referred to as a "cookie," on the Internet user's computer and, if so, for what purpose; and
- how the collected information is being used or will be used.
VSBA Policy KBE Internet Privacy; Va. Code § 2.2-3803.
Learning Objectives
At the beginning of each school year, every school must provide to parents or guardians the learning objectives to be achieved at their child’s grade level or, in high school, a copy of the syllabus for each of their child’s courses. 8 VAC 20-131-270.B.
https://go.boarddocs.com/va/gcs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BNETYA799C1B
NAEP
Prior to the administration of any NAEP assessment, ACPS will inform parents of children selected to participate in the assessment that their child may be excused from participation for any reason, is not required to finish any authorized assessment, and is not required to answer any test question. Further, the division will make reasonable effort to inform parents and the public of their right of access to assessment data, questions, and complete and current assessment instruments of any NAEP assessment, excluding personally identifiable information and questions that may be reused in the future.
Nondiscrimination
The Greene County Public School system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the discrimination policies:
Dr. Wendy Mitchem, Compliance Coordinator Section 504 - Director of Special Services
Katie Brunelle, Compliance Coordinator Title IX - Director of Administrative Services
Kristie Spencer - Director of Human Resources
Parent & Family Engagement Policy
Districts and schools that receive Title I funds must distribute their parental involvement policy (VSBA Policy IGBC Parental Involvement) to parents of students in Title I programs. 20 U.S.C. § 6318 (a), (b).
https://go.boarddocs.com/va/gcs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BNEUYN7E5CAD
Postsecondary Education & Employment Data
Each school board’s career and technical education program must include annual notice on its website to enrolled high school students and their parents of the availability of the postsecondary education and employment data published by the State Council of Higher Education and the opportunity for such students to obtain a nationally recognized career readiness certificate at a local public high school, comprehensive community college or workforce center. Va. Code § 22.1-253.13:1.D.3.d.
https://research.schev.edu/info/Reports.Guide-to-the-Data-for-Localities-Reports
PPRA (Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment)
The PPRA requires school divisions to provide notice of their policy controlling the administration of surveys on certain sensitive topics including political or religious beliefs and behavior involving sex or illegal conduct. This notice must be given directly to the parents of students enrolled in the division. The notice must be given at least annually at the beginning of the school year and within a reasonable time after any substantive change in the policy. VSBA Policy JOB Administration of Surveys and Questionnaires; 20 U.S.C. § 1232h(c)(2)(A).
You may download the U.S. Department of Education’s PPRA Model General Notice of Rights at https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/resources/ppra-model-general-notice-rights
- In addition, divisions must also directly notify parents, at least annually at the beginning of the school year, of the specific or approximate dates during the school year when the following activities will occur:
- activities involving the collection, disclosure or use of personal information collected from students for the purpose of marketing or selling that information
- the administration of any survey concerning sensitive information
- any nonemergency, invasive physical examination or screening
20 U.S.C. § 1232h(c)(2)(B).
Promotion, Retention & Remediation Policies
At the beginning of each school year, every school must provide to parents and guardians a copy of the division’s promotion, retention, and remediation policies. 8 VAC 20-131-270.B.
https://go.boarddocs.com/va/gcs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BNF2MY02EC6E
Prosecution of Juveniles as Adults
School boards must provide information developed by the office of the Virginia Attorney General to students regarding laws governing the prosecution of juveniles as adults for the commission of certain crimes. The methods of providing the information may include, but are not limited to, announcements in schools, written notification to parents, publication in student handbooks, and inclusion with other materials distributed to parents at the beginning of each school year. VSBA Policy JFCL Notification Regarding Prosecution of Juveniles as Adults; Va. Code § 22.1-279.4.
https://go.boarddocs.com/va/gcs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BNGPAJ638EF5
Pupil/Teacher Ratios
School boards must annually on or before December 31, report to the public the actual pupil/teacher ratios, by school, for the current school year, in elementary school classrooms and also must report the actual pupil/teacher ratio in middle school and high schools in the division by school. Va. Code § 22.1-253.13:2.
Release of Student Records to Armed Forces Recruiters & Educational Institutions
Divisions must notify parents that they will release the names, addresses and telephone numbers of secondary students to all recruiters or institutions of higher education that request them unless the parents specifically request that this information not be released. VSBA Policy JO Student Records; 20 U.S.C. § 7908(a).
https://go.boarddocs.com/va/gcs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BNGV4H7EEB23
Report Cards/Quality Profiles
School Bus Rider Safety Rules
A copy of bus rider safety rules must be sent to parents at the beginning of the school year. The information must include a request that parents or their designee accompany young children to and from the bus stop. 8 VAC 20-70-110
https://www.greenecountyschools.com/departments/transportation-services
Services for Students Identified as Deaf or Hard of Hearing or Visually Impaired
Each school board must annually post information distributed by the Department of Education describing the educational and other services available through the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind, the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing and the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired to the parents of those students who are identified as deaf or hard of hearing or visually impaired. School boards must also inform the parents of the availability of the information and ensure that packets of the information are available in an accessible format for review by parents who do not have Internet access. Va. Code § 22.1-217.01.
Sex Offender Registry
Every school board must annually notify the parent of each student enrolled in the school division of the availability of information in the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry and the location of the website. Va. Code § 22.1-79.3.
The Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry can be accessed online through the Virginia State Police website.
https://go.boarddocs.com/va/gcs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BNH4YC0DD19F
Special Education
Standards of Learning (SOLs)
In kindergarten through eighth grade, all students in Virginia are expected to take the tests required by the Virginia Board of Education. These tests include the end of year Standards of Learning Assessments offered in grades three through 12. Parents of students in Title 1 schools have the right to request information on the policies, procedures and rights to opt students out of end of year assessments. If you would like to receive information about this topic, please contact Dr. Donna Payne, GCPS director of teaching and learning, at 434-939-9000.
State expectations for student learning and achievement can be accessed through the Virginia Department of Education's Virginia SOL Assessment Program website.
Policy Reference: IKF, The Virginia Assessment Program and Graduation Requirements
Student Achievement
Schools that receive Title I funds must provide parents individual reports regarding their student’s level of achievement and academic growth on the state’s academic assessments, if applicable and available, as soon as is practicable after the assessment is given. The reports must be in an understandable format and, to the extent practicable, be in a language that parents can understand. 20 U.S.C. §§ 6311(b)(2)(B)(x); 20 U.S.C. § 6312(e)(1)(B). GCPS handles such notifications on an individual student basis. |
Tobacco & Nicotine Vapor Products
Teacher Qualifications
Testing Transparency & Opt Out
At the beginning of each school year, school divisions that receive Title I funds must notify the parents of each student attending any school receiving Title I funds that the parents may request, and the division will provide (in a timely manner), information regarding any state or division policy regarding student participation in any assessments mandated by 20 U.S.C. § 6311(b)(2) and by the state or division, which must include a policy, procedure or parental right to opt the child out of such assessment, where applicable. 20 U.S.C. § 6312(e)(2)(A).
In addition, divisions that receive Title I funds must make widely available through public means (including by posting in a clear and easily accessible manner on the division’s website and, where practicable, on the website of each school in the division, for each grade, information on each assessment required by the state to comply with 20 U.S.C. § 6311, other assessments required by the state, and where such information is available and feasible to report, specified information regarding assessments required division wide by the division. 20 U.S.C. § 6312(e)(2)(B).
Voluntary Retirement Savings Programs
Divisions which have 403(b) retirement plans must notify employees about the plan at least once each year. VSBA Policy GBR Voluntary Retirement Savings Program; 26 C.F.R. § 1.403(b)-5.
https://www.greenecountyschools.com/departments/human-resources/benefits
Wellness Policies
Divisions must inform the public about the content and implementation of the local school wellness policy. Divisions must also inform the public about progress toward meeting the goals of the policy and compliance with the policy by making the triennial assessment available to the public in an accessible and easily understood manner. VSBA Policy JHCF Student Wellness; 7 C.F.R. § 210.31.
https://go.boarddocs.com/va/gcs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BNGTUF790E02
Youth Health Risk Behavior Survey
The school board must notify parents of each student enrolled in a middle or high school selected for participation in the survey of student health risk behaviors pursuant to Va. Code § 32.1-73.8 that their child may be randomly selected to participate in the survey unless the parent denies consent for the student's participation in writing prior to administration of the survey. The notice must be in writing and be given at least 30 days prior to administration of the survey. The notice will inform the parent regarding
- the nature and types of questions included in the survey,
- the purposes and age-appropriateness of the survey,
- how information collected by the survey will be used,
- who will have access to such information,
- whether and how any findings or results will be disclosed, and
- the steps that will be taken to protect students' privacy.
Parents have the right to review the survey prior to its administration. (VSBA Policy JOB Administration of Surveys and Questionnaires; Va. Code § 22.1-79.3.
https://go.boarddocs.com/va/gcs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BNH3E7067888