Youngkin signs bill that opens school transportation options for Northampton County

RICHMOND — Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed a new law aimed at giving small, rural school systems like Northampton County more flexibility when it comes to getting students to and from school.

House Bill 2720, carried by Delegate Terry Austin, opens the door for school divisions with fewer than 4,500 students to use options beyond the big yellow bus — including ride-sharing, carpooling, and private transportation providers.

On the Eastern Shore, the change stands to benefit Northampton County Public Schools, which serves just over 1,300 students. The district has long faced challenges covering the long distances between its communities — from Cape Charles to Eastville, Exmore to Nassawadox. This new law could make it easier for families to access not just regular school days, but also after-school activities, tutoring, and sports.

“This breaks down barriers for rural communities like ours,” said Governor Youngkin. “It gives local school boards more tools to meet families where they are.”

Delegate Austin, a former Botetourt County supervisor, added that the goal isn’t just getting kids in the door — it’s making sure they can participate fully in school life, whether that’s staying after for robotics club or getting extra help with homework.

Unfortunately, Accomack County Public Schools, which serves around 4,700 students, just misses the cutoff under the new law.

The bill passed with wide bipartisan support — 96–0 in the House and 36–3 in the Senate. Virginia joins nine other states offering this kind of transportation flexibility for rural school systems.