In opposition of a bill the state Senate is considering–which would “phase out” systems like tenure and make it easier for teachers to be dismissed–the Virginia Education Association (VEA) is holding a “wake” for public education in Charlottesville, Va., the Fairfax News reports. The bill would also cut educators’ retirement benefits, according to the paper. In a statement, the VEA said they don’t feel like a priority to lawmakers: “After 216 years, Public Education is being destroyed by lack of funding, unfunded mandates, high stakes testing, an underfunded retirement system, and loss of continuing contracts. Left to mourn will be over-crowded classrooms, forgotten students, demoralized educators, and undervalued support personnel.”
Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Mount Solon, said last week that he hasn’t decided what his vote will be on the bill, but says the legislation has been made fairer by being amended to apply for new teachers, the News Virginian reports…
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