Fighting for Better Schools
Across Virginia too many students are not getting the education they need as school districts are suffering from inadequate funding from the state. School buildings are crumbling, classes are overcrowded, disadvantaged students are not getting the support they require, technology is outdated and our teachers are among the lowest paid in the country.
While local governments have a significant role to play in addressing these issues, the Commonwealth of Virginia is not living up to its constitutional responsibility to adequately fund education programs to meet Virginia standards. Instead, the state has continued to lower the bar to justify its reduction in funding. This reduces the state’s obligation to simply checking a box and does not help students achieve a level of success necessary to graduate, prepare for secondary education and succeed in the workforce.
It’s time for that to change. By joining together with one voice, we will fight for More Money to make Better Schools for Stronger Students.
Failing to Fund K-12 Education
When the recession hit in 2009, the state capped funding for student support positions, effectively reducing state funding by an estimated $378 million per year.
Constitutional Obligation
The Commonwealth of Virginia must be held accountable and pressured to fulfill its constitutional obligation and provide the education funding that our constitution dictates and our students deserve.
Virginia trails teacher salaries nationally by 14% and enrollment in teacher preparation programs continues to decline.
A 2015 study found that more than 70% of Virginia school divisions spend less per student to operate and maintain facilities than they did 10 years earlier. Some spend up to 40% less per student.