This was an important week for several of Governor Bob McDonnell's education initiatives. Plus, lawmakers met a fresh face and had a celebrity sighting.

You know him as "Ponch." Wednesday actor Erik Estrada met legislators, like the Valley's Del. Matt Lohr (R-Harrisonburg), while lobbying to strengthen laws protecting children from online predators.

Bills establishing a virtual schools program are poised for a vote on the House and Senate floors Monday (3/5/10). Augusta County teacher and Del. Dickie Bell (R-Staunton) sponsors the House version. Part of McDonnell's education reform agenda it would allow Virginia students to take online classes during the regular school day.

The House of Delegates approved a measure to give the state more of a role in the charter school approval process. Some Democrats opposed the plan -- saying Virginia needs to invest in existing schools.

Governor McDonnell says education reform is more important now than ever after learning this week, the state did not qualify for a federal grant through the "Race to the Top" program. The grant is awarded to states demonstrating innovation in education McDonnell says Virginia has some of the weakest charter school laws in the nation.

The Virginia House got a new member this week, filling a seat that's been vacant all session. The 41st district seat was vacated by now Senator Dave Marsden (D-Fairfax). Fairfax mother of two, Eileen Filler-Corn (D-Fairfax) won a special election Tuesday to claim the seat. She makes restoring funds to local schools her top priority. Filler-Corn and other lawmakers have little time left to make an impact. The session is scheduled to end a week from Saturday.