Advance Morning News
It's Thursday, December 11, 2025. The Advance goes in-depth on Spotsylvania Schools' state public rating, and a new feature - Talking Richmond, where Fredericksburg-area legislators talk legislation.
Editor’s Note: Today, the Advance launches an in-depth look at local school districts’ performance on the state’s new assessment system. This system’s language and structure is unlike anything the state has previously attempted. Before reading this morning’s in-depth report, we strongly recommend that you first read Adele Uphaus’ excellent overview of Virginia’s new School Performance and Support Framework for a concise, clear explication of the rating system. Analyses of Stafford and Fredericksburg are coming this afternoon. King George and Caroline are in production. We also launch a new series today, Talking Richmond, in which locally elected members of the General Assembly write about the bills they are carrying and the issues that they are watching.
Now into our third year, the Advance has become the go-to source for education and political reporting. This Holiday season, please consider supporting our work as a subscriber at $8/month, or a Sustaining Member starting at $50/month. Support the Advance, and help grow independent, vibrant, intelligent journalism.
SCHOOL PERFORMANCE AND SUPPORT FRAMEWORK - Spotsylvania County Public Schools
By Martin Davis
This morning, we publish the first in-depth look at how the state rated area school districts. First up is Spotsylvania County Public Schools. Readers should read Adele Uphaus’ Overview of Virginia’s New School Performance and Support Framework before diving in. Then, dig into the report for a deep-dive look at what it reveals, and what it doesn’t reveal, about educational performance.
Read the full story
Welcome to ‘Talking Richmond’
By Martin Davis
Local members of the General Assembly bring Richmond legislative news that affects our region directly to the Advance’s readers.
Read the full story
TALKING RICHMOND: Del. Phillip Scott
Heading into the new legislative session, Del. Scott talks two bills he is carrying this year - one concerning access to medical records, the other about the water crisis that hit Orange in 2024.
Read the full piece
Local Obituaries
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