VPM News reporter Megan Pauly will partner on a year-long investigative project with the independent, nonprofit newsroom ProPublica.
Pauly is one of six local public radio reporters from across the country who will participate in the ProPublica Local Reporting Network, which supports accountability journalism in local newsrooms.
Pauly, who joined VPM News in October 2017, covers education and health stories in the greater Richmond region. Her coverage of seclusion and restraint in Virginia private day schools for students with disabilities prompted a school investigation and staff training changes. The series won a Regional Murrow Award. She also recently received a fellowship from the Education Writers Association to report on the rollout of a new math curriculum in Richmond Public Schools.
Prior to joining VPM, she worked at NPR stations in Wilmington, Delaware, Washington, D.C. and Wichita, Kansas.
“In her three years with VPM, Megan Pauly has demonstrated leadership in covering education both in the Richmond region and statewide,” VPM News Director Craig Carper said. “Megan has a consistent track record of thorough and thoughtful reporting on complex issues, and making these topics relatable to a wide audience. I know she will use this opportunity to tell important and engaging stories.”
The ProPublica Local Reporting Network, introduced to help create vital investigative journalism in communities where these stories would otherwise not be done, has worked with more than 40 newsrooms since 2018 on reporting that has spurred significant impact. Topics covered by reporters in the network will include criminal justice, racial injustice, the environment, safety and education.