The Virginia Executive Institute (VEI) Fall 2024 class from the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute is celebrating another notable achievement from its graduates — this time in the realm of student safety and digital well-being.
In the Fall 2024 VEI program, six leaders representing six state agencies collaborated to tackle a critical issue affecting youth in Virginia: cyberbullying. This group focused its capstone research on Artificial Intelligence Awareness and Victim Support in Virginia, with a significant portion dedicated to addressing the growing issue of cyberbullying among students. As outlined in their presentation at the Virginia State Capitol, their project highlighted the need for clear definitions, victim protections, and practical support resources. See the full presentation.
Fast forward to 2025, and Virginia lawmakers have enacted legislation that aligns closely with many of the group’s recommendations. Senate Bills 905 and 908, championed by Senator Stanley and signed into law by Governor Glenn Youngkin, mark a substantial step forward in protecting students in the digital age:
- SB908 amends the Code of Virginia (§22.1-276.01) to formally define cyberbullying and directs all school boards to adopt policies to address incidents that happen outside of school but involve students. The new law also requires protections for victims and witnesses, and importantly, schools must now provide resources to support victims, capturing a key element of the VEI team’s proposal.
- SB905 establishes an Internet Safety Advisory Council under the Superintendent of Public Instruction. This Council will develop and maintain model policies and best practices to guide school divisions statewide in strengthening online safety for both students and teachers. One notable feature is the creation of a centralized webpage with instructional resources — an idea that strongly mirrors the group’s recommendation to expand Department of Education resources for parents, educators, and students alike.
While the VEI group did not formally lobby for these bills, nor directly shape the legislative path, the overlap is both striking and encouraging. “We can’t say for certain our research sparked this change,” one group member noted, “but it’s exciting to see our ideas reflected in real policy that will help protect Virginia’s children.”
VEI Fall 2024, Cyberbullying Team:
- Bill Cuttler, Northern Virginia District Engineer, Department of Transportation
- Guy Dinkins, Benefits Director, Department of Veterans Services
- Michelle Franco, Director of Program Operations - Business Operations, Department of Social Services
- Mike Jones, Chief Information Officer, Department of Medical Assistance Services
- Todd Spruill, Assistant Chief, Richmond Fire & Emergency Services
- Nate Warfield, Director of Gaming Licensing & Investigations, Virginia Lottery
The legislation goes into effect immediately, with the Internet Safety Advisory Council piloted through July 2026. A report on its progress will be presented to the Board of Education and General Assembly committees in late 2025.
For the VEI Fall 2024 cohort, it’s another example of how thoughtful research, meaningful collaboration, and bold ideas can positively influence and impact the citizens of the Commonwealth.
“VEI exists to spark exactly these kinds of results,” said Nancy Calkins, Senior Consultant and Training Facilitator at the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute. “We bring leaders together to tackle pressing issues head-on. When their research and collaboration show up in policy and practice, it proves how powerful leadership development and public service can be when they work hand in hand.”
This project is a testament to VEI’s core purpose: equipping leaders from across Virginia’s public sector to think critically, collaborate boldly, and shape meaningful solutions that benefit citizens statewide. With this legislation now in effect, students and families across the Commonwealth will see tangible support and stronger protections, an outcome resulting from dedicated public servants asking, “What more can we do?”
The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute congratulates the members of this group for their vision and hard work and celebrates the lasting difference they continue to make for the Commonwealth.
About the Virginia Executive Institute
The Virginia Executive Institute is an immersive, two-week experience where emerging and seasoned leaders come together to sharpen their skills, expand their networks, and become catalysts for positive change. Each cohort works in small teams to research and address real-world challenges facing state government, culminating in a leadership challenge presented at the State Capitol.
To learn more about VEI or apply for an upcoming class, visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/trainings-and-institutes/virginia-executive-institute-vei/.