The daughter of the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has been appointed to the Virginia Board of Education by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, drawing criticism from some Democrats who called the appointment politically motivated.
Meg Bryce, a psychology teacher who ran unsuccessfully last year for an at-large seat on the Albemarle County School Board, said during a business meeting Thursday that she was grateful that Youngkin chose her for the board. who is responsible to determine statewide curriculum standards, high school diploma requirements, and teacher qualifications.
“I have so much admiration for what this board has already done to increase accountability, transparency and excellence in Virginia schools,” Bryce said. “These are things that I have fought for and it is my honor and privilege and just a joy to be a part of those efforts going forward.”
Bryce grew up in Virginia and earned a doctorate in cognitive science from the University of Virginia. During her campaign for Albemarle School Board, community members criticized Bryce for pulling her children out of public schools because of the pandemic, according to the daily progressBryce, described by a board member as a graduate mentor at the University of Virginia, has since been criticized by community leaders as unfit for the position.
Rep. Katrina Callsen, a Democrat from Albemarle, said in a Tweet that Bryce was “a failed Moms for Liberty candidate.” Teacher and Democratic Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg said on social media that Bryce had no credentials and “campaigned for school board for a year while engaged in a culture war.”
James J. Fedderman, president of the Virginia Education Association, said Bryce’s appointment is “yet another example in a long line of short-sighted, politically motivated decisions that serve to advance Governor Youngkin’s anti-public education agenda while further endangering LGBTQIA+ students across the Commonwealth.”
Board Chair Grace Creasey, who was also appointed by Youngkin in 2022, said she is pleased to have Bryce as part of the group.
“Having an expert in psychology on the board with teaching experience is a tremendous addition to navigate the most critical issues facing our public schools and youth today,” Creasey said, referring to mental health and other issues facing students. “She’s going to be a phenomenal addition to the board and a champion for students.”
Youngkin spokesman Christian Martinez said the governor was grateful to have Bryce serve Virginians on the board, adding that she would be “instrumental in ensuring that every parent, student and teacher has the essential resources and support they need to thrive.”
Youngkin has also tapped Ida Outlaw McPherson, a Hampton Roads-area attorney, to serve on the board, expanding the group to nine members after two seats became vacant this month.
McPherson, a graduate of Howard University Law School, was previously appointed by Gov. Bob McDonnell as director of the Department of Minority Business Enterprise, now the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity. She also was a past president of the NAACP Suffolk Chapter, Creasey said.
According to Creasey, McPherson’s work in the community would help her cast a critical eye over the administration.
Fedderman said that nearly all of Youngkin’s appointees, including McPherson, had no experience in K-12 public education policy and practice, and that they “lack many of the requisite qualifications generally expected for a seat on that board.”
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Olivia Diaz is a staff member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-reported issues.