**Click Here for Photos from the Visit**

HENRICO, V.A. —Last week, U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger hosted U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona at Glen Allen High School in Henrico County to help kick off the new school year and to discuss federal support Henrico County Public Schools received through the American Rescue Plan, which Spanberger voted to pass in March 2021.

During the event, Spanberger and Cardona were joined by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam as they met with local students, heard from Henrico County Public Schools administrators and educators, and learned more about how Glen Allen High School has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and is working to keep staff, students, and parents safe. The Spanberger-supported American Rescue Plan has provided more than $70 million for Henrico County Public Schools to rebuild from the crisis.

“It was an honor to visit Glen Allen High school in Henrico County. The staff, educators, students, and entire community are doing everything they can to make sure we have a safe and healthy return to in-person school this year. Whether it was the sound of band practice, the squeak of shoes on the gym floor, or the thoughtful conversations from the leaders of tomorrow, I know this community is ready for the new school year,” said Secretary Cardona. “I want to thank Congresswoman Spanberger for hosting me and for her tenacious advocacy for resources like the American Rescue Plan that help our communities build back better.”

“For Virginia students, teachers, and parents, the past year and a half have been unlike any other — but thanks to the unwavering commitment of Virginia’s educators, we are on a path towards a healthy, safe, and successful school year this fall. On Wednesday, I was thoroughly impressed as I learned more about how Glen Allen High School has been using federal funding from previous COVID-19 relief packages and the American Rescue Plan to prevent learning loss, maintain a safe environment in the building, support students’ mental health, and more,” said Spanberger. “Earlier this year, I was proud to vote for American Rescue Plan funding that went directly to K-12 schools here in the Commonwealth — including high schools like Glen Allen High School. This month, I was even more proud to demonstrate to Secretary Cardona how our schools and administrators are using this necessary funding to make an immediate difference for the next generation of Virginians. I would like to thank Secretary Cardona for coming to Henrico County, and I also would like to thank Governor Northam for his continued leadership at the state level.”

Following their tour of Glen Allen High School, Cardona, Spanberger, and Northam joined Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) Superintendent Dr. Amy E. Cashwell for a roundtable discussion with HCPS teachers and students. During this conversation, Spanberger heard concerns from educators about the new school year, gave Secretary Cardona the opportunity to highlight the U.S. Department of Education’s Return To School Roadmap, and thanked teachers for their commitment to Central Virginia’s students during an unprecedented school year.

BACKGROUND

Spanberger has continued to bring Biden Administration cabinet secretaries to Central Virginia to meet directly with Virginians, hear about challenges faced during the Commonwealth’s economic recovery, and gather feedback about federal relief measures like the American Rescue Plan. Earlier this month, the Congresswoman hosted U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm in Central Virginia to highlight the economic benefits of the bipartisan infrastructure legislation recently passed in the U.S. Senate. And last month, Spanberger hosted U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in Amelia County, Virginia for a roundtable discussion with Central Virginia farmers, producers, and agribusinesses.

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