Virginia parents support Northam's push for schools to reopen by mid-March, but hesitant about success By Ayesha Khan Virginia governor makes push to bring students back by March 15 Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced on Friday a new plan for the whole state when it comes to schools reopening. FALLS CHURCH, Va. (FOX 5 DC) - Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced on Friday a new plan for the whole state when it comes to schools reopening. Northam is calling on all schools in the state to offer some form of in-person learning by March 15, in addition to prioritizing summer learning options for families to explore in order to help students make up for lost learning and get ready for the fall school year.