School daze
Charlottesville’s hopes for a $75 million renovation for Buford Middle School became more complicated last week, as a bill that would have allowed localities to raise taxes for school funding was killed in a General Assembly subcommittee.
Area state Senator Creigh Deeds’ SB 298 would have authorized Charlottesville to raise the local sales tax by 1 percent and use the money exclusively to pay for school infrastructure upgrades. The bill passed the Senate 28 to 12, but was killed by Republicans in a 4-3, party-line vote in a House subcommittee. Central Virginia reps Nick Freitas of Culpeper and Chris Runion of Shenandoah were among those who voted against the bill, with Charlottesville Delegate Sally Hudson voting in support. A bill from Republican Tommy Norment, which would have granted Isle of Wight County the same powers, was also struck down.
“A high-quality education demands that we invest in learning environments that are healthy, safe, and encourage student success,” reads a statement on the vote from Charlottesville United for Public Education, a local advocacy group of parents and teachers. “We are disappointed that school facilities in Charlottesville—where the average building is 66 years old—have been put on the backburner by the state once again…We encourage Charlottesville City Council to work with the community and find new solutions to pay for the reconfiguration project.”
Charlottesville’s City Council is currently working to create its next annual budget, and it remains to be seen how much funding for school rehabilitation will be included. Council could generate revenue for schools by raising the real estate tax, but with assessments rising around the city, councilors have expressed hesitation to add further to residents’ real estate taxes. A public hearing to discuss tax rates is set for March 21.
UVA lifts mask mandate
UVA will lift its indoor mask requirement on March 21, citing slowing progression of cases on Grounds, according to an email from UVA leaders. Masks will still be required in classrooms, UVA Health facilities, and on university buses.
While wearing masks in other university-owned spaces such as recreational facilities, office buildings, and indoor venues like John Paul Jones Arena will be voluntary, the administration emphasized the importance of respecting different mask-wearing preferences.
“There will be many people who simply feel more comfortable wearing their masks and practicing physical distancing,” the email says. “We should all continue to treat each other with kindness and respect, particularly as people make individual decisions about if or when to wear a mask.”
As of Monday, the seven-day average positivity rate among the University community has fallen to just over 6 percent, compared to a peak of nearly 25 percent during the first week of January.—Maryann Xue
In brief
Drink about it
In times like these, everyone has to do their part: That’s why Virginia’s ABC stores are removing seven brands of Russian-sourced vodka from their shelves. The state agency announced the change this week, writing that the decision was made “In the spirit of Gov. Youngkin’s call for decisive action in support of Ukraine.” The ban doesn’t apply to the knock-off stuff. “Russian-themed brands” like Smirnoff will still be available. Bottoms up!
Adam at ease?
Charlottesville company Contraline is making waves with its groundbreaking male contraceptive injection. The treatment, called ADAM (get it?), would implant a hydrogel to block the flow of sperm for years at a time. Last week, the company won an innovation award from the Reproductive Health Innovation Summit, and clinical trials on the product are set to begin this year.
Hapless Hoos
After a heartbreaking home loss to Florida State on Saturday, UVA’s men’s hoops team ranks 80th in the country in the NCAA’s NET rankings system. Barring a magical run in the ACC Tournament, the Hoos are doomed to miss the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013. Say hello to the NIT, y’all.
Midway Manor makeover
A Ridge Street apartment building for seniors is slated for renovation after the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority approved the project at a Tuesday meeting. Development company Standard Communities purchased the 98-unit Section 8 Midway Manor building for $16 million, and plans to use federal low-income housing tax credits to help finance a $23 million rehab. The units will stay affordable for at least 30 more years, says the company.
