Charlottesville United for Public Education Call on City Officials to Invest in Public Schools
Coalition of local parents and community groups launch organization focused on Charlottesville City Schools
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Today, a coalition of parents, grandparents, and community members launch Charlottesville United for Public Education to ensure every child in Charlottesville City Schools (CCS) receives a quality education from preschool to graduation. The organization views the city’s budget planning season as an opportunity to rally behind much-needed investments for public schools.
“We came together out of a need to prioritize public education in Charlottesville,” said Shymora Cooper, parent and community advocate. “We live and work in a wonderful and culturally diverse community, but there are inequities in our public school system that affect student success inside and outside the classroom. Strong and well-supported schools are essential to the lifelong success of children and youth.”
“It’s time we mobilize as a united front to move Charlottesville City Schools forward,” Cooper added.
According to the Virginia Department of Education, over 4,000 students are enrolled in CCS; however, 46% of CCS students are economically disadvantaged. Decades of disinvestment in the city’s public schools have resulted in achievement gaps across race and income, outdated school facilities, and staffing shortages. Students in low-income families bear the hardship of decades-long disinvestment and need greater instructional, housing, health, and social supports to thrive.
Charlottesville United aims to amplify the voices of those historically underserved, underrepresented, and under-resourced. That work entails collaborating with other community organizations on the ground, listening to the concerns of parents and children, and fighting for equity, justice, and long-term financial investments in CCS. They also want to break down barriers between parents, schools, and the School Board.
“This is a citywide effort that requires all hands on deck,” said Mary Coleman, recruitment coordinator for Charlottesville United. “We are looking to engage, educate, and empower more community members to use their voices and help shape our public schools. We want to ensure the learning experience and outcomes for all students are strong regardless of socioeconomic status.”
Currently, the city is debating how to fund the $75 million reconfiguration project to redesign, renovate and reconfigure Buford Middle School and Walker Upper Elementary schools, including an early childhood center. Charlottesville United sees this as a chance for the city to make a seismic shift in public education for future generations. They are asking the Charlottesville City Council to commit to funding the budgeted costs of the project and prioritize resources based on student needs.
“Where and how a student learns matters,” said Annie Suttle, parent and education advocate. “As adults, we have a responsibility to provide opportunities that will help students excel from preschool all the way into adulthood. We’re asking parents to help us create a culture of opportunities for our young people.”
Follow the campaign on Facebook and Twitter and get involved at charlottesvilleunited.org.
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About
Charlottesville United for Public Education is a coalition of parents, grandparents, students, teachers and community members committed to ensuring every child in Charlottesville City Schools receives a quality education. We advocate for student success from preschool to graduation through community engagement, family support, and civic participation. As champions united for healthy students and schools, we center community voices and welcome all who are invested in making public education better in Charlottesville. Join us at charlottesvilleunited.org.