Really?
RPV Chairman Pat Mullins issued a statement concerning Del. Spruill's remarks:
"Delegate's Spruill's comments are as offensive as they are wrong, and that's saying something," said RPV Chairman Pat Mullins. "Governor McDonnell's proposals will open the door of innovation and give students who have been trapped in failing schools a fighting chance at a world class education."
Spruill lashed out at Governor McDonnell's widely-supported education proposals on Monday, saying the governor "does not care about the kids who are at risk."
"If that's what he thinks, then Delegate Spruill obviously hasn't taken the time to read the bills he was asked to vote on," said Mullins. "Under the governor's plan, teachers and administrators will be able to take the new ideas from these laboratory and charter schools and improve our existing public schools, giving our children an even better education."
"Governor McDonnell and a bipartisan majority in the General Assembly are to be commended for trying new ideas to improve our school system, not berated for 'not caring about at-risk children.'
"Even President Obama has said that limits on charter schools 'aren't good for our children, our economy, or our country,' Mullins said. "The Obama administration has made it clear with it's 'Race to the Top' program that innovation, not obstruction, is the way forward. What part of that doesn't Delegate Spruill understand?"
1 comment:
I 'just happened' to be in the House gallery when Delegate Lionell Spruill made these remarks.
At first I sort of glazed over as I thought he would simply repeat the mantra of funding public education. If Mr. Spruill would examine the issue honestly, he would find that the Conservatives really want to go much further in empowering students than the bill he was deriding would have you to believe. Indeed, it would make far more sense to provide another level of help for those who don't win the lottery... portable education credits.
Mr. Spruill, just let there be a 'Virginia Opportunity Scholarship' (like the one that was killed in Washington DC) and you will see 'at risk' kids really helped. Honestly, I'm expecting some sort of private group to step up and create an even better alternative model.
Until then, I'll refrain from commenting (too much) about a system that asks more money but gives very little in the way of options, effectively creating a permanent disadvantage for too many students in the system. The reason, non-union competition is not desired.
Post a Comment