PRESS RELEASE

     Support Schools Now is re-emerging to start a conversation about school priorities in tough and changing  times.
    The conversations regarding the Williamsburg James City County Schools often have the dynamic of the many talk shows on the airways. The point–counterpoint provides heat with little information, argument without resolution. As the political wars are over it is time to engage our community in the conversation about Williamsburg James City County Schools that are inclusive of all community stakeholders; taxpayers, parents, teachers , administrators, elected officials, business and academics. It is this reason that Support Schools Now did not enter the political fray to endorse a candidate, but rather to encourage engagement in the conversations about our children’s success.
How does this community wish to measure children’s or schools’ success as measured just by the positive indicators of achievement, graduation rates, and preparation for post high schools activities? Or is the community interested in a 360 degree evaluation that includes the negative indicators of attendance rates, discipline rates, suspension rates, class failures, and the ultimate indicator of failure drop out rates?  Are our schools better if we spend less? Is high spending a promise good student for outcomes? Are funds directed at too many interventions without consideration of the effective interventions?
     As an advocate for schools, that believes our children must have access to the tools they need for individual success, I would like to hear what are your views about how WJCC measures success and what tools are needed to accomplish success for each child?  In the next week you will receive a survey monkey to measure the thoughts of the community on WJCC schools. While the survey is not scientific, it can give an insight into some community expectations for our children’s success.
Please join Support Schools Now. Sign up to the survey monkey; receive email alerts on resources and best practices to meet the diverse needs of our children. It takes commitment to have each child reach full potential. 

Mary Minor
Support School Now PAC VASBE - 015-035