Stafford Schools Ask For Increased Funding In Meeting With Legislators

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — Stafford school officials met with local lawmakers on Tuesday to discuss funding needs and legislative priorities.

Tuesday's meeting included the Stafford County School Board, Superintendent Thomas Taylor, state Senator Jeremy McPike, Delegates-Elect Joshua Cole and Paul Milde, and state Senator-elect Tara Durant.

The school board and administrators asked legislators for increased funding, a change to the states cost of education formula, and lifting the cap on support staff at schools.

These changes, Stafford schools officials said, would allow for more counselors, psychologists, social workers, and teachers for English language learners.

"As elected representatives, we share the responsibility of advocating for our diverse stakeholders - to include our most important group, our students,” School Board Chair Susan Randall said. “Our legislative priorities again focus on providing student and staff safety and the need for additional funding necessary to support recruiting, instruction, and families.”

The school board also asked for changes to the Code of Virginia regarding student records and background checks. The Stafford school officials also want an amendment that would require juvenile court services to share background information about cases with school superintendents.

"We have a long way to go to support student mental health and learning loss, and we must invest in building projects adequate to house our exploding student population," Superintendent Thomas Taylor said. "This simply cannot be accomplished in a meaningful way without funding and support from our government officials.”

Taylor believes that Stafford students need more support from the state level, especially when it comes to funding concerns.

"As the 111th of 132 localities in per pupil funding, Stafford cannot continue to operate well and be one of the worst funded school systems in the Commonwealth. Our students and staff deserve better," Taylor said. "We will continue to advocate for resources and funding that allow Stafford Schools to remain a premier leader in public education.”