VA SB33

Renames the existing "block grant program" for at-risk students to the "At-Risk Program" and updates terminology throughout the statute to refer to students "who are educationally at risk" and children "from low income homes"

Expands permissible uses of At-Risk Program funding to include initiatives supporting both physical and mental health of students, specifically authorizing the hiring of licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses

Removes the previous limitation of funding to "school/community health centers" in favor of the broader student health initiative language

Maintains existing covered programs including dropout prevention (Project YES), Project Discovery, English as a second language programs, AVID, Homework Assistance Program, and Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program initiatives

Continues the voluntary pupil/teacher ratio and class size reduction program for grades K-3 in schools with high or moderate concentrations of at-risk students, with state funding based on incremental costs and local matching funds based on composite index