Education

A quality education is key to individual success and the long-term strength of our economy. While Virginia’s schools have traditionally ranked well nationally, recent data and test scores show troubling declines, especially among minority and underprivileged students. The pandemic only worsened these trends.

Rather than lower standards or accept mediocrity, I’ve supported legislation and budget initiatives to help students recover and reach grade-level proficiency. Pandemic-era school closures also fueled a student mental health crisis. I’ve worked with schools to pass legislation providing flexibility to hire more mental health professionals and support staff to address this urgent need.

Public schools must prepare students to be productive citizens and critical thinkers, not push political ideologies. Divisive rhetoric and victim-centered ideologies have no place in the classroom. Parents have every right to be involved in their child’s education and to advocate for what they believe is best for their family. I will always support policies that give parents a voice.

We also need a higher education system aligned with the realities of today’s workforce. Not every student needs a four-year degree. Many well-paying jobs only require a two-year degree or credential. That’s why I’ve supported programs that provide financial assistance for students pursuing high-demand credentials and helped pass legislation to streamline Virginia’s workforce development programs.

From a local perspective, I successfully secured $12 million in funding to address JMU’s per-pupil funding disparity and have worked to expand the university’s in-demand nursing program.