Hampton Roads divisions exploring regional school to help students with substance abuse issues

School officials from Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Suffolk are considering opening a regional recovery school for students recovering from substance use disorders. The school could be open next year.

The school would provide students a “safe and supportive” environment to learn while continuing their recovery before reintegrating into a traditional high school. Students at the school would also have access to counseling and other resources.

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, overdose deaths from opioids have increased 500% among 15-to 24-year-olds since 1999. In Virginia, nearly 7% of teenagers report using drugs and 9% report alcohol use.

The school would serve no more than 30 students at a time. The Virginia Beach school division would manage the funding. The idea originated in Virginia Beach two years ago and has been championed by board member Carolyn Weems, who lost a daughter to an overdose more than a decade ago. The school board last week approved a resolution renewing its commitment to exploring the concept. The other divisions also recently approved or are expected to vote on similar resolutions this summer.

Participating divisions would form a steering committee to explore a program structure, identify a location, determine costs and seek partnerships with mental health organizations. The committee would also explore transportation options. Plans will be presented to each school board in the winter for another vote. If the boards approve the plans, the school would open for the 2025-2026 school year.

The General Assembly has appropriated $750,000 for the project.

Nour Habib, nour.habib@virginiamedia.com