Mike Connors
The Virginian-Pilot
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Past articles by Mike:
Tensions running high on Virginia Beach School Board after members' Facebook posts
Board member Victoria Manning's Facebook posts on everything from the superintendent's travel to teacher surveys are seen by some as a welcome sign of openness. Others see it as a → Read More
Virginia Beach schools making special education changes after state investigation
A state report issued last October criticized how the division prepared students for life after school and requested more training. Some parents are optimistic about educators' efforts since then. → Read More
No bond hearing for Virginia Beach man charged in killing of his parents
Christopher Brady is charged with two counts each of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Police said they found Roy and Sheila Brady, → Read More
Virginia Beach looking at how to stop cellphone distractions in class
Many teachers say phones provide no benefit in the classroom. But banning them creates other problems. So, what's the solution? → Read More
High schools would start latest under recommended schedule change in Virginia Beach
The school division had asked the community for its thoughts on four options. After seeing inconclusive results, leaders came up with a fifth idea they pitched to the School Board → Read More
Virginia Beach City Council considers polling employees on whether guns should be allowed at work
Council members want to know whether workers feel secure in the wake of the May 31 mass shooting at the Municipal Center. → Read More
Ex-School Board member's actions "highly suspicious" but not criminal, Commonwealth's Attorney says
Commonwealth's Attorney Colin Stolle made that conclusion after an investigation into the actions of Joel McDonald, who lost his seat in April. A judge ruled McDonald vacated the position when → Read More
Fighting in faith: Virginia Beach mom and her son stay strong in face of devastating disease
Dante' Herrera will likely be blind in a few years, if he's lucky enough to live that long. More than half his hearing is gone. He struggles to speak. He → Read More
Hundreds sign petition in support of allowing Virginia Beach city employees to bring guns to work
Current city law prohibits employees from carrying weapons into municipal buildings. In the wake of a May 31 massacre inside Building 2, some people argue they should be allowed to → Read More
Virginia Beach plans heavy police presence for July 4 Floatopia
More than 30 police officers will patrol the Ocean Park area on the holiday after revelers trashed the beach on Memorial Day weekend. That includes marine units and even a → Read More
Schools aging out faster than they can be replaced in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach has built two new schools in the past five years, Old Donation and Kellam High. Unless that timeline speeds up, many buildings will exceed 100 years — some → Read More
"We're building our bond." Virginia Beach shows support as city workers return to their jobs
For many city employees, Tuesday was the first day of work since a gunman killed 12 people at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. "I don't understand what unfolded here," said → Read More
"Turn the scars into stars": School division copes at vigil in Virginia Beach
"We pray that our response to this evil that has touched us would be love." → Read More
"It's surreal": In mourning, Virginia Beach employees head back to work
Most of the Municipal Center is closed except for the school administration building and the courthouse. → Read More
Shooter in custody after multiple people injured at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center
Dale Gauding, a Sentara spokesman, emailed this afternoon that one patient had been sent to Sentara Princess Anne Hospital and another to Virginia Beach General. Master Police Officer Allen Perry → Read More
More recess? Virginia Beach schools say yes while Norfolk parents wait
"When we include more recess, I guarantee you we will see an increase in student achievement," said Dr. Noëlle Gabriel, chairwoman of the Norfolk School Board. → Read More
Virginia Beach got about 20,000 responses to a school start times survey. Here are the results.
The school system has four options that students, parents and staff considered. The goal is to push high school start times later, as medical research advises. The board will make → Read More
Many in Virginia Beach feel left in the dark as School Board picks new member
The board will fill an open seat Tuesday, one week after its first choice withdrew amid controversy. Some in the city are wondering why candidates were interviewed behind closed doors. → Read More
These 3 finalists are vying for the open seat on the Virginia Beach School Board
Board members could make an appointment today, after they interview Michael Mullins, Jessica Owens and Seko Varner. The Rose Hall seat became open after a judge ruled Joel McDonald could → Read More
Virginia Beach school leaders cheer full-day kindergarten, but are nervous about funding
Almost every elementary school will likely have full-day kindergarten by this fall. But the City Council's recommendation to use reversion money to pay for that concerns the superintendent and others. → Read More