My views and record this week on: EDUCATION

RETROSPECTIVELY:
By 2019, I will have had 27 consecutive years with my children in the Russell County Public School System. I currently have a 9th grader at Lebanon High School and a 4th grader at Elk Garden Elementary and my third child graduated from Honaker High School. I am the only member of the Board of Supervisors with children in the Russell County Public School System so I directly understand and personally relate to all the issues.

Proposed and passed funding for a major double digit raise for both Educators and Staff in his first year on the Board. Subsequently, asked for similar increases annually.

Passed reinstatement of the 25th and 35th pay scale steps which will aid in securing incremental funds for the future of Russell County teachers.

As a Board of Supervisors member, proposed and supported measured and reasonable capital expenditures to maintain and improve our school’s infrastructure.

ON-GOING:
Established a mini grant program that began with humble beginnings in 1996 and continues to this day that has directly invested over $200,000 directly into the classroom of Russell County and other local schools.

Established SWAFF (Southwest Athletic Facilities Foundation) in 2006 to design/build and fund multiuse sports venues to promote extra curricular participation, civic pride and lifelong learning and teambuilding on the sports field. Honaker High School in 2007; Richlands High School in 2008; proposed and in planning stages for Castlewood and Lebanon High Schools in 2012.

Memberships/Affiliations: Local School/PTAs 1996 – current; Richlands CTE Advisory Board (2002-current); RC Business Partnership (2003 – current); RCCTC Supporter (2007-current); Virginia Tech Calhoun Society/Hokie Club; Michigan Alumni Assoc. & Victors Club; Michigan State University Alumni Assoc. and Ralph Young Fund.

PROSPECTIVELY:
Bottom line: Funding needs to be significantly increased, across the board, to ensure that our children’s educational experience is the best that it can be. Significant compensation increases need to be realized for all educators and staff to ensure that Russell County Public Schools salary grades are amongst the highest in SWVA.

Educators and staff’s compensation packages needs addressed by a joint budget committee comprised of two (2) School Board and Board of Supervisors members as well as a couple of Educators. A systematic long term line item budget and implementation plan to remedy the salary discrepancies should be developed by end of 2012.