Statement from Virginia Legislative Black Caucus
- Upon review and extensive debate, the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus has taken a position opposing charter school legislation currently supported by the Governor. Legislation, as introduced, seeks to give the State Board of Education ultimate authority over local elected school boards concerning the establishment and certification of charter schools. Decisions to deny charter school applications made by local school boards that are popularly elected and held directly accountable to the community, will be subject to ultimate review by a nine member board appointed by the Governor. Members expressed extreme concern and objection to the most radical change in public education since Massive Resistance.
“This is as unconscionable as it is unconstitutional,” said Sen. Henry L. Marsh III, D-Richmond. “A lifetime of work to ensure equal access to education, democratic local control of our schools, and the opportunity for every child to succeed is under attack. The Constitution of Virginia and state law vests authority for public education in the Board of Education and the supervision of public schools in local school boards.“
“This legislation is a blatant attempt by the Governor to usurp the authority of local school boards,” according to Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton. “The fundamental objective of the legislation is to force school divisions to accommodate charter schools regardless of whether they have popular support, can demonstrate an ability to educate our children, pose a negative impact on other schools in the division, or hold prospects for long term success.”
“The education of a child is not to be taken lightly and this bill fails to address important issues, namely that these schools be transparent and that their finances, curriculum, student demographics and performance be subject to full disclosure,” asserted Del. Jeion A. Ward, D-Hampton. “The bill presented only provides a broad outline for expanding the power of the State Board of Education and gives it the authority to pick and chose winners and losers in public education. In a time when public education resources are becoming scarce we cannot allow this to happen.”
