BECOME A SCHOOL WARRIOR FOR HONEST CHANGE
If not now, then when? – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
By Paul Goldman
The truth is: had Richmond put education first as the politicians claim every election year, the deplorable state of so many of our school facilities would not exist.
We have had the money, we still have the money to put education first and modernize our school facilities as has been promised to generations of students.
We have had the money, we still have the money to put education first and modernize our school facilities as has been promised to generations of students.
Richmond City officials began purposely short-changing school modernization and maintenance in the 1980’s. They promised it would be temporary. But many tens of billions of dollars in spending later, far too much having been wasted as city audits have shown, our K-12 school facilities have been permitted to age into chronic obsolescence.
By law, the actual wording of the proposed Charter Change must appear on each petition being circulated. Only Richmond registered voters may sign. It takes roughly 11000 valid signatures to qualify the proposed amendment for a citywide ballot referendum. The law sets the number high: for example, it takes less signatures statewide to get on the ballot for Governor! So yes, it will take an historic number of valid signatures. Anyone can talk the talk. Real change is hard, excuses are easy. It’s time to make history.
Noted experts like Virginia Tech Professor Glenn Earthman have shown the devastating effect these conditions have on the city’s youngsters, damaging them for the rest of their lives.
It is simply unfair, a cynical political policy based on candidates promising to put education first during the election years but then breaking these promises after the ballots have been cast.
The time has come to take a stand and say: enough is enough. The School Modernization referendum being championed by the Committee is the first effort in the history of Richmond to make our leaders accountable for the deplorable state of so many of our school buildings.
Our children are counting on us. A citizen-led charter change initiative is permitted by the City Charter.
It is simply unfair, a cynical political policy based on candidates promising to put education first during the election years but then breaking these promises after the ballots have been cast.
The time has come to take a stand and say: enough is enough. The School Modernization referendum being championed by the Committee is the first effort in the history of Richmond to make our leaders accountable for the deplorable state of so many of our school buildings.
Our children are counting on us. A citizen-led charter change initiative is permitted by the City Charter.
THE PETITION BELOW
By law, the actual wording of the proposed Charter Change must appear on each petition being circulated. Only Richmond registered voters may sign. It takes roughly 11000 valid signatures to qualify the proposed amendment for a citywide ballot referendum. The law sets the number high: for example, it takes less signatures statewide to get on the ballot for Governor! So yes, it will take an historic number of valid signatures. Anyone can talk the talk. Real change is hard, excuses are easy. It’s time to make history.
The actual petition language, as it will appear on the ballot, as it would be added to the City Charter, is therefore printed below for you to read and consider.
The Petition of Qualified Voters for Referendum:
Section 6.15 – FULFILLING THE PROMISE OF EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES.
(a) Preamble –
“Education is the great equalizer” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wisely taught us. In their historic Brown v Board of Education decisions, the U.S. Supreme Court said “education is perhaps the most important function of state and local governments.” They concluded the opportunity for an education “is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms.” The Justices further indicated the “physical condition of the school plant” could deny this fundamental right.
In 1970, Virginians by public referendum adopted a new state constitution to ensure equality of educational opportunity.
Yet national and Virginia studies show the average public school facility has been allowed to age into obsolescence. Thus while Richmond’s facilities are collectively more obsolete, our situation is not unique. Respected experts have long warned that students spending their public school lifetimes in such facilities suffer significant and permanent educational detriment.
Dr. King famously observed a right delayed is a right denied. We, the people, have therefore chosen to lead. We believe our success can set a needed example for the nation.
(b) DUTY OF THE MAYOR
Not later than six months after this section becomes law, the Mayor shall formally present to the City Council a fully-funded plan to modernize the city’s K-12 educational infrastructure consistent with national standards or inform City Council such a plan is not feasible. In fulfilling the duties herein, the Mayor shall consult with the School Board, City Council, consider cost savings available in state or federal law and further provide an opportunity for public participation.
(c) NO NEW OR INCREASED TAXES
The fully-funded plan required in subsection (b) cannot be based on the passage of new or increased taxes for that purpose.
(d) DUTY OF THE SCHOOL BOARD
Nothing herein shall alter powers previously given to the School Board.
(f) DUTY OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Once the Mayor has complied with subsection (b), the City Council shall have 90 days to take such action as it deems appropriate.
Take Action – Become a School Warrior
Call Paul Goldman @ 833-6313, GOLDMANUSA@aol.com
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