Attention Virginia Voters
Lt. Governor Kaine has received the endorsements of The Washington Post (here's the editorial explaining why) and, more importantly, the Virginia Education Association (VEA). The VEA based its endorsement on "interviews with the gubernatorial candidates and a thorough examination of their records and positions." As someone who places tremendous importance on public education (and as a past and future public school teacher), I have decided to vote for Kaine based on his pledges to increase teacher salaries to the national average, to support/protect the Virginia Retirement System benefit plan for teachers, and to provide additional funding for the Standards of Quality (SOQ) initiative.
[In the interests of full disclosure, I would like to note that I am a member of the Fairfax Education Association, which is affiliated with the VEA and their national partner, the NEA.]
posted by ze roberto @ 10/26/2005 12:18:00 PM
11 comments
11 Comments:
I find it hard to believe that WAPO endorsed Kaine on the same day it was running this story: WAPO If this is true, shouldn’t they have held up to consider if he really is that conniving. Gov. Allen has sent an open response to the article so I don’t see this being a nonstarter or fake story.
One other thought, Warner made the same pledge to raise teacher salaries and little progress has been made: retread pledge
"Both candidates," the Daily Press continued, "have promised to raise teacher salaries to at least the national average and increase construction of public schools and on college campuses. Given the dismal state of Virginia's finances, both Warner and Cynthia Earley talked about working across party lines to craft a budget."
First off: Where the hell has "clue" been? Secondly, I had a conversation with my friend Kersten last night (Kas-ten, so those that have met him recognize to whom I am referring) regarding the state election. Much to my surprise, Kersten, who tends to be aligned with Republican candidates, vehemently voiced his support for Kaine. I, quite honestly, have not made up my mind at this point, but when staunch Republicans start withdrawing support for a GOP candidate, I feel compelled to find out why.
Well, in response to your first post, Clay, I don't think what appears on the Post's editorial page should in anyway affect their objective reporting of the news, even if it's a negative story about a candidate they've endorsed. I would expect nothing less from them. And for the record, I got the impression from the Post's endorsement that they view Kaine as far from the ideal candidate, but more the 'lesser of two evils'
Secondly, I'll grant that it would appear to be political glad-handing to promise to raise teacher salaries. It's kinda like saying that you're in favor of cute, fluffy bunnies. But, Kaine *has* said he would fully fund the SOQ initiative, and actually supported increased funding last year. Kilgore has said he thinks there's enough money there already, which is total BS. And Kilgore did not support the funding measure in 2004. (For those of who don't know, the Standards of Quality are related to the Standards of Learning--a fun artifact of Bush's grand unfunded mandate/marketing gem- "No Child Left Behind." Ask me how I feel about NCLB?)
No Child Left Behind illustrated: if you do not meet the standards on our standardised tests, you get less money to try and meet them next year. Tough luck if you are already an under-funded school that might be able to improve things if you just had a little more money.
At best, NCLB is yet another step towards making our public educational system just training for a series of specific, standardised tests. Gone is the proud liberal arts tradition of our forefathers.
At worst, it is just another way to with-hold funding from poor schools (read: where "minorities" are the majority).
How'd I do, Harris? ;)
Ahh, Josh. I think you and I must share a brain cell. My thoughts exactly on NCLB. The worst part is that the schools in most need of help--those with the failing test scores--are the ones having the hardest time getting/keeping good, qualified teachers because the teachers know what happens if a school fails to meet its SOL standards. Or, if a school has a great staff but a large population of LEP kids (limited English proficiency) their scores will still show them as failing. There are no allowances for language, cultural diversity. Which, to me, is a complete travesty.
Once again, here is a great example of how hypocritical this administration is. Obviously, local school districts are best qualified to decide how standards of learning should be applied, based on the demographics of each school. Instead, this “Republican” administration slaps a brilliant marketing jingle on a seriously flawed mandate that blindly enforces standards, punishes school and teachers for failing to meet them, with no regard for what would truly help each individual school improve. They betray the ideals of their own party.
I like couching a massive tax increase as a “funding measure.” While I realize there are outstanding expenditure requirements in Fiscal Y+2 for Medicare, there is an enormous surplus. For the budget year ending it was in the neighborhood of $550,000,000 and it is estimated from $1.5-3+ Billion in Y and Y+1. I believe the rainy-day fund will reach the constitutional cap after last years books are finally balanced. So we have 1.1 billion dollars in the bank to absorb the next flux in the revenue.
The need for a tax increase was limited at best and I doubt schools actually received a very significant increase in cash. Does anyone remember that bond referendum for construction? I saw a lot of new buildings at W&M this last weekend.
I hope you all also got a piece of the bogus mailing issue: trusting-Kaine
A surplus?? Ahh, crap!! We all know what happened the last time a Democrat turned over a huge surplus to a Republican. If Kilgore wins, VA is going to be selling the statehouse for food money within a year! VA will need fiscal discipline to go with that surplus - they HAVE to elect a D. Last thing VA needs is a cut-tax & spend conservative.
I'm selling all my stocks and buying duct tape!
I just wanted to comment on the standards of quality and less funding for disadvantaged districts. Kilgore has stongly supported increased funding for educators in "under-perfoming school districts" - it a major part of the "Recruit, Retain and Reward program." There are some real differences between the SOQ and NCLBA. Remember, Kilgore is from a distressed district.
Thought you might like this endorsement: Endorsement
Conservatively biased rag.
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