November 1, 2005
As the election creeps near--citizens gathered to discuss a key issue--education.
Parents, teachers, and students discussed ideas they want send to the gubernatorial candidates. The Virginia Education forum called "Speak Out For Public Schools" was held state-wide. Here in Charlottesville, most issues dealt with money--the lack there of and where to distribute it.
One big issue was increasing teachers salaries, "not simply because they want to make a lot of money, but because they want to attract high quality teachers and to retain them," explained Stella Edwards, Virginia's PTA Legislation Chairman.
Other issues included: education before kindergarten, focus programs on ESL students, and having flexibility in assessing students.
Education Concerns For Gubernatorial Race 