Gloom and Doom

Make no mistake about it. Many in the General Assembly want to reshape public school education in Virginia.

Rob Bell’s HB 947, the bill forbidding local school boards from joining the Virginia High School League if the VHSL refuses sports access to home schooled children thus allowing home schooled students to participate in public school sports, was reported from the House Education Committee today.

Thursday, HB576, the Governor's vindictive bill that will eliminate continuing contract status for teachers in favor of annual contracts whereby teacher can be non-renewed without any right to appeal, will be debated in the Teachers and Administration Education subcommittee. If it passes there, it goes on to the full committee for a hearing -more of a hearing than any teacher has a right to if the bill is eventually passed. Why is this bill such a bad idea? First off, teachers don't have a "job for life." Our continuing contract status simply ensures us due process if we are in danger of termination. Any teacher can be fired or dismissed at any time regardless of contract status. Those with continuing contract status simply have the right to face the charges against them. It should be noted that teachers in our state were awarded due process rights back in the early 1900's after waves of teachers were dismissed for prejudicial or political reasons. Cronyism and nepotism were huge problems, and many lost jobs only to see their job given to someone else that the personnel director's favored. This bill makes no sense. It doesn't improve education; it only serves a destructive purpose.

...And in related news, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors held a joint work session with the Roanoke County School Board Wednesday night. Lots of gloom and doom was discussed. Both the county side and school sides are deeply in the hole over the new budget. The schools are staring at an effective $12 million shortfall. As in the past, everything's on the table for cuts, including elementary school closings. Two supervisors and all board members made statements regarding the darkness descending upon us. Most want to work out a significant raise for employees, but the path toward that goal is illusive. Several board members stated that they would not support raises if it means that teachers would be laid-off.

The body also heard a presentation on a new "choice" health insurance plan. It was decided that such a choice plan will NOT be implemented for the coming fiscal year. More study and education is needed.

The school board will meet next Wednesday evening to begin its official budget debate. Things could get very hot.