Virginia Board of Education releases DPS from MOU
During their June meeting, the Virginia Board of Education unanimously voted to release Danville Public Schools (DPS) from its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Corrective Action Plan with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) early.
The VDOE noted that DPS, along with Greensville County Public Schools and Prince Edward County Schools, have “successfully met the criteria to conclude state-level oversight, reflecting sustained efforts to improve academic performance, student support, and school quality.”
This achievement highlights the progress that DPS has made since entering the MOU in 2020, with improved student performance and state results and fully accredited schools. For the 2025-2026 school year, all DPS schools were fully accredited, and eight of 10 schools met state expectations with “on track” or “distinguished” ratings.
"We are so thankful that the Virginia Board of Education has recognized our growth and hard work,” DPS Superintendent Dr. Angela Hairston said. “This achievement did not happen without the tireless efforts of everyone involved, including students, teachers, support staff, school and division leaders, and community.”
The MOU Process
In 2019, the VDOE completed a division-level academic review, which analyzed the division’s systems and practices to determine how well it was meeting its responsibilities as prescribed by the Standards of Quality. The review then informed the development of the MOU between the VDOE and DPS.
As a part of the agreement, DPS worked with the Office of School Quality in the VDOE to create a Corrective Action Plan (CAP). The plan focused on improving academics and student success, leadership and governance, operations and support services, and human resource leadership.
The MOU also required DPS to meet every two months with the VDOE to review data and provide professional development for division staff and school board, as well as conditioned VDOE approval of purchasing, instructional programs, and administrative hiring.
The MOU stated that it would be in place until “all schools are accredited without conditions for 2 consecutive years.”
Accreditation and Accountability
Following the update to the accreditation and accountability process approved by the VDOE in 2024, DPS was eligible to exit the MOU based on the division’s 25-26 accreditation and accountability results.
The division’s accountability results, determined by the VDOE’s School Performance and Support Framework, show that fewer than 40% of DPS schools were identified for comprehensive or additional targeted support, meaning that DPS does not meet the MOU criteria as established in 2024.
“This accomplishment is a testament to what happens when we all work together on behalf of student achievement,” Danville City School Board Chair Ty’Quan Graves said. “We had a plan, trusted the process, and now, we’re seeing improved results. The future of our children has changed.”
Noted as “keys to success” for DPS were the focus on High Quality Instructional Materials, consistent routines for review and updates to division policies, and robust data review protocols. In addition, the division enhanced human resources leadership, instructional alignment, operations, and student attendance.
Next Steps
DPS has launched a new Strategic Plan for 2026-2031 to continue supporting student success and growth.
The plan focuses on five goal areas:
- Student Proficiency, Achievement, and Acceleration
- Wellness, Culture, and Climate
- Fiscal and Operational Management
- Family and Community Partnerships and Engagement
- Communication
Key initiatives include maintaining standards-aligned curriculum and instruction, conducting district-led academic audits, strengthening academic planning and graduation monitoring, increasing family engagement, and improving operational efficiency through continuous improvement processes.
In addition, the division will continue its partnership with the University of Virginia’s Partnership for Leaders in Education and COGNIA, as well as continue its focus on instructional coherence, student performance, and achievement. DPS will also continue community engagement efforts with board presentations and hosting meetings with the broader community.
“While exiting the MOU is an exciting achievement, we know we still have work to do to continue to close the achievement gap,” Hairston said. “Our strategic plan will guide our priorities over the next five years.”