Del. Bell elected to OEI board

Del. Richard P. “Dickie” Bell announced Thursday that he has been chosen by the Speaker of the House of Delegates as a representative to the Opportunity Educational Institution Board.

The Opportunity Educational Institution (OEI) was established during the 2013 Legislative Session by Senate Bill 1324. It requires that any school that has been denied accreditation and permits any school that is given accreditation with warning for three consecutive years to be transferred to OEI and remain in the institution for 5 years, or until they are receive full accreditation.

“I am grateful to have been appointed to the OEI Board” said Delegate Bell. “Every child in Virginia deserves a high quality education. We are very fortunate in Virginia to have one of the best education systems in America, and most of our schools are top notch. It is important, however, that we find a way to turn around those few schools who are failing. We must ensure that all students, regardless of their zip code, can receive the best education possible.”

“Delegate Bell has been a leader on educational issues in the House of Delegates” said Speaker Howell. “As a retired teacher, he understands how important a good education is for young people. Like me, he believes that a child’s future should not be determined by where they are born. I know that Delegate Bell will be a valuable asset to the Opportunity Educational Institution Board as it begins its task of creating a system that can turn around failing schools and give Virginia students the opportunities that they deserve.”

Elected to the House of Delegates in 2009, Delegate Bell represents the 20th District, which includes Highland County, portions of Augusta and Nelson Counties, and the Cities of Staunton and Waynesboro. He is currently serving in his second term.