Our kids need us to speak up.

Virginia’s Board of Education is voting on a set of proposals to heavily invest in our schools.

October 16 is the last day to submit a public comment by email. Enter your information to get started writing your email.

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Virginia is currently spending less per student (state & local funds) in school divisions with the highest poverty and the fewest resources compared to those school divisions with the lowest poverty. That’s backwards from what the research shows is needed to get to more equitable outcomes. It also misses where money can make the biggest impact. Studies show increased spending has much more pronounced benefits for students from low-income families in terms of improving both academic and life outcomes.

Students in Virginia should have access to high-quality education, no matter where they are from or what they look like. More than 80% of students in Virginia’s highest poverty schools are students of color, often taught by less experienced teachers due to challenges in attracting and retaining teachers. A more equitable education system can help to break down the barriers that keep some students, particularly students of color, from succeeding. And a big part of creating a more equitable education system for every student is revising how the state funds schools.

On Sept. 19, the Virginia Board of Education put forward ambitious, critically important revisions to how the state funds public education through its primary funding formula, the Standards of Quality (SOQ). You have an opportunity to support kids in your community by supporting these proposals.

The proposals being considered offer a comprehensive vision for how school funding can look here in Virginia by addressing key shortcomings in the current staffing standards and improving the equity of state funding, helping to make sure that the schools and students who need the most support will receive it.

The Board will be voting on the proposal at their next meeting on October 17. Support Virginia's students by making a public comment by October 16. Fill out the information on this form and click "Start Writing" to send an email to members of the Board in support of the proposals.

The full SOQ proposal can be downloaded here.