Advocate for our Schools

Dear School Supporters,

I am happy to report that the advocacy movement for funding our schools continues to be strong.

If you have already made your thoughts known to our elected officials, THANK YOU! If you have not and wish to, you can simply "CLICK HERE" , and create a message encouraging them to provide as much funds for the schools as possible so that the schools' budget may be fully funded, and send. The message will go automatically to county and city representatives. They need to hear from you!

On January 9, the James City County Board of Supervisors held a prebudget public hearing to hear from citizens before its budget retreat on January 20 at which it will provide county staff with guidance regarding the budget. The decisions made on January 20 will guide the entire budget process; therefore, making your voice heard NOW is of the utmost importance. And for city folks, remember that the schools' budget is driven by the county budget. The city simply provides funding by formula depending on what the county provides, so it is important for you to speak out, too!

On January 9, I delivered a statement for Support Schools Now in which I stated that the WJC superintendent indicated his proposed budget would be above and beyond what the county plans to provide this year. I stated that teacher and staff salaries and benefits must remain highly competitive. New staff, equipment and materials would be needed for two new schools. Replacement buses, technology and hopefully preschool expansion would be requested. I thanked them for their past support and asked them to step up to the plate again this year.

Support Schools Now also endorsed a statement read by Sharon Kiefer of the League of Women Voters Education Committee that strongly supported expanding preschool opportunities, which was also endorsed by the York-James City-Williamsburg NAACP Education Committee.

In addition, PTA Council President Leisa Williams directly addressed the supervisors and spoke eloquently about the needs of our schools and asked for their support.

Add YOUR voice by taking a minute to "CLICK HERE" to send a message to our county and city representatives.

Thank you for supporting our schools.

Mike Ludwick