A floor debate focused on a $25 million amendment to expand lab schools: supporters warned cutting the funding would harm workforce development; opponents said targeted universities had not requested expansion and argued funds should be returned to localities.

Lab school director Dr. Hadley reported a new Memorial Hall site, dual-enrollment expansion with Blue Ridge Community College and JMU, enrollment growth toward a projected 600 students by year five, 93.6% cohort retention and ongoing sustainability planning as a two-year grant nears its end.