Youngkin Vetoes Teacher Raise Bills, Revolutionary War Barracks Unearthed, and more
Youngkin Vetoes Teacher Raise Bills, Revolutionary War Barracks Unearthed, and more
Historic Triangle News Roundup May 12 - 18
Good morning! In case you missed it, I spoke with the Village Initiative about their report on achievement gaps in Williamsburg-James City County schools, particularly along racial lines. Watch this clip and listen to the full podcast here.
Now for last week’s top stories:
CW Archaeologists Uncover Revolutionary War Barracks
Colonial Williamsburg announced last week that its team had found new evidence of an American barracks at a dig around the foundation’s visitor center last summer. A fire started by British troops is believed to have burnt it down in 1781.
Among the finds were ammunition, parts of soldiers’ uniforms, and horseshoes. 18th century maps of the area show the barracks had been built to host 2,000 soldiers and 100 horses. Only a fraction of the ~4 acre site has been excavated.
The location was previously considered for the planned regional indoor sports complex, and archaeological work will resume once construction of that complex is complete, which will coincide with the 250th anniversary of the U.S.’s founding.
VEA Condemns Governor Youngkin for Blocking Teacher Raises
The Virginia Education Association released a statement yesterday after Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed two bills that were intended to raise VA teacher pay to the national average in a few years, calling the late Friday move “shameful.”
The statement breaks down Youngkin’s false claim that VA teacher pay is already at the national average, based on a nonsensical comparison of National Education Association numbers with those of the Virginia Department of Education.
The VEA also criticized Youngkin for vetoing bills that would have ended preferential tax treatment of organizations that celebrate the Confederacy, and for favoring tax breaks for the wealthy over living wages for working families.
Other Headlines:
Zachary Galli, a 23-year-old Army officer from James City County who died in a non-combat training accident in Louisiana, was remembered by family for his kindness. They are still waiting on details of what exactly happened.
Funding for body cameras for the more than 1,800 Virginia State police officers did not make it into the final budget signed by Gov. Youngkin. Here’s a breakdown from the VA Mercury of what did make it into the budget deal.
Racial segregation in Virginia's public schools has worsened over the past few decades despite the Brown v. Board ruling, disproportionately impacting Black and Latino students who have access to fewer resources, teachers, and counselors.
Heads Up
Red Lobster abruptly closed its Williamsburg location along with many others.
James City County passed its budget with 5-cent tax credit to residents.
Worsening air quality ratings in VA due to change in standards, not conditions.
Upcoming Events
When: TODAY from 12 - 5 PM
Where: Alewerks, 189B Ewell Road, Williamsburg
Rename James Blair Middle and Magruder Elementary Organizing Meeting:
When: Wednesday, May 22 at 7 PM
Where: Join FB Group for location
When: Tues-Sat, 10 am to 6 PM
Where: 2460 Bush Neck Rd., Williamsburg
Cover photo from Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.