CHAPTER 333
An Act to amend and reenact § 22.1-304 of the Code of Virginia, relating to public elementary and secondary schools; teachers; terms of employment; reemployment of teacher who has received continuing contract status; written notice required.
[S 117]
Approved April 6, 2026
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That § 22.1-304 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 22.1-304 . Reemployment of teacher who has not achieved continuing contract status; effect of continuing contract; resignation of teacher; reduction in number of teachers.
A. If a teacher who has not achieved continuing contract status receives notice of reemployment, he must accept or reject in writing within 15 days of receipt of such notice. Except as provided in § 22.1-305 and except in the case of a reduction in force as provided in subsection F, written notice of nonrenewal of the probationary contract must be given by the school board on or before June 15 of each year. If no such notice is given a teacher by June 15, the teacher shall be entitled to a contract for the ensuing year in accordance with local salary stipulations including increments.
B. Teachers employed after completing the probationary period shall be entitled to continuing contracts during good behavior and competent service. Written notice of noncontinuation of the contract by either party the teacher must be given by June 15 of each year; otherwise , the contract continues in effect for the ensuing year in conformity with local salary stipulations including increments.
C. A teacher may resign after June 15 of any school year with the approval of the local school board or, upon authorization by the school board, with the approval of the division superintendent. The teacher shall request release from contract at least two weeks in advance of intended date of resignation. Such request shall be in writing and shall set forth the cause of resignation.
If the division superintendent has been authorized to approve resignations, a teacher may, within one week, withdraw a request to resign. Upon the expiration of the one-week period, the division superintendent shall notify the school board of his decision to accept or reject the resignation. The school board, within two weeks, may reverse the decision of the division superintendent.