The quality of our education system is of utmost importance in determining the future of our city. It is essential that our school system achieve and be perceived as one of the premier districts in Hampton Roads.
It is critical that our students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare them for entering the workforce or pursuing higher education. I strongly advocate for trade/vocational schools and will offer full support for their advancement.
A school system that is recognized as providing a quality education in an environment that is conducive to learning will attract commercial investment and residential growth. This additional investment will enhance our tax base and ultimately result in lower taxes.
To the extent funding is available, Suffolk City Council should adequately fund our school system. It also has a fiduciary responsibility to ensure those funds are spent prudently.
The School Board, City Council, City Manager, and school superintendent should collaborate on a regular basis to promote consensus regarding priorities, budget issues, and funding. Both bodies must be willing to embrace opportunities and initiatives that allow for efficiencies within their respective budgets. In turn, these savings can be re-appropriated to our classrooms.
We must continually advocate for and encourage our teachers and support staff. We must properly demonstrate our appreciation for the daunting task of educating our youth. We must strive to provide funding that compensates their efforts accordingly and allows for the recruitment and retention of qualified individuals.
It should be noted that during my current term as Mayor, city funding for our school system has increased from $62,775,180.00 to $76,071,903.00, which represents a 23% increase and accounts for 27% of all local funding. In addition, during this time frame, I have supported the acceptance and reappropriation of unspent school funds totaling $2,603,047.00