Lawmakers in Richmond want to help at-risk students. But Michael Pope reports they’re struggling to find the money.
A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers from urban and rural parts of the state is pushing for a $64 million investment in Virginia’s poorest students. The idea is that to target schools with a high percentage of students who qualify for free and reduced price lunch. Republican Delegate Israel O’Quinn represents Bristol.
“That money would have helped with things like remedial education all the way to teacher recruitment and retention to special programs that localities might come up with to help even out that at-risk pool.”
Former Governor Terry McAuliffe included $7 million for the program in his budget, not the full $64 million. But at least it was a start. Now the House of Delegates has stripped out funding altogether. Democratic Delegate Lashresce Aird represents Petersburg.
“They have a significant need, and as a commonwealth we should feel obligated to invest in those districts and those students so we get the greatest outcome in the end. And so I still feel just as passionate about the need for this.”
The Senate included $7 million for the program. So O’Quinn and Aird are hoping it may survive the conference committee process that will unfold over the next few weeks.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
