Gov. Abigail Spanberger recently appointed Caroline County resident JD Young to serve on the Virginia Commission on School Construction and Modernization, a statewide body charged with helping shape policies to improve the safety, modernization, and long-term sustainability of Virginia’s public school facilities.
After Spanberger signed Senate Bill 498, the commission is now permanent. The bill eliminated the commission’s July 1 expiration date and also requires it to meet four times per year, update statewide needs estimates for construction and modernization of school facilities annually, and develop and deliver a 10-year capital roadmap by Nov. 1 of this year, among other responsibilities.
“I am truly honored by Gov. Spanberger’s confidence in my ability to serve the Commonwealth in this important role,” Young said. “Every student deserves access to safe, modern schools that inspire learning and prepares them for the future. I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners to identify practical solutions that strengthen educational infrastructure while serving the needs of communities across Virginia.”
Young represents the Reedy Church District on the Caroline Planning Commission, where he helps make recommendations to the board of supervisors on growth and land use. The construction professional is also the chair of the county’s Virginia Department of Transportation Committee, which works with transportation officials to address infrastructure priorities throughout the county.
Additionally, Young is the chair of the Caroline Democratic Committee, where he said he focuses on promoting civic engagement, voter participation and leadership development. He’s also served on numerous nonprofit boards and community organizations that focus on education, housing, economic development, and quality of life for Caroline residents.
Young believes his background and experience managing construction projects and collaborating with government agencies, contractors and community stakeholders make him a good fit to help the commission push for the modernization and safety of public schools in Virginia.
“Strong schools build strong communities,” Young said. “When we invest in modern educational facilities, we’re investing in our children, supporting our educators, strengthening our workforce, and creating opportunities that benefit generations to come.”
