News Release

Parents, Teachers, Students, Ed Leaders Develop Education Priorities for Next Governor at Loudoun Speak Out for Schools

Local residents concerned with education in the state had an opportunity yesterday evening to send their top priorities to the gubernatorial candidates before the last debate on October 9th. The Virginia Education Forum coalition held a roundtable discussion at Dominion High School in Sterling as part of their "Speak Out for Schools" tour across the state with parents, teachers, students, and education leaders. The Virginia Education Forum, which was sponsored by the Virginia PTA, Communities for Quality Education, Virginia School Counselors Association, Virginia Middle School Association, and Virginia Counselors Association, was the first gubernatorial event to involve questions on education issues from parents, students and teachers.

"The candidates all talk about education, but we want to make sure they know exactly what our local concerns are here in Loudoun County," said Loudoun Education Association President Mac Corwine. "Do they know that our school population has tripled in recent years and have a plan to give our schools the resources to keep up with Loudoun's fast growth? What are the specifics of their plan for our public schools? This roundtable is our chance to let them know our priorities and ask for real answers."

Moderated by the Virginia PTA's Chairman Stella Edwards, the participants developed their top priorities for education. Combined with the requests from earlier roundtables, the final list will be delivered to the gubernatorial campaigns and debate host Dr. Larry Sabato.

Participants in Loudoun specifically requested that the next governor:
 Provide a budget proposal that would help local government provide quality public education;
 Increase the level of funding for teacher recruitment and salaries;
 Provide enough capacity at Virginia higher education institutions to prepare teachers and provide financial incentives to help recruit students to the teaching profession;
 Provide dedicated funding to address the needs of students learning English as a second language;
 And work with the federal government to correct flaws in the No Child Left Behind law.

"Virginians are demanding to hear more about education from these candidates," said Parent Teacher Association President Ramona Morrow. "The priorities set locally are what really matter to our parents, teachers, students, and administrators. I hope the candidates take these recommendations to heart and work to support strong schools throughout Virginia."

For more information or for event photos for publishing, please contact Samantha Anderson, sanderson@qualityednow.org or 202-454-5676.

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