We, Albemarle County Citizens for Excellence in Education (ACE), support our schools to provide the highest quality education for the continued growth and enrichment of our community. We are community members who believe our children’s future and the prosperity of our county are best served by a school division that expands the opportunity of all students to reach their highest potential and one that helps our business community to be competitive. We urge the Board of Supervisors to provide the financial resources needed to achieve these goals.

Next year’s budget has a deficit of $6.7 million, largely due to spending requirements that are beyond the school division’s control. If multi-million dollar reductions in program and services become necessary, we will put at serious risk Albemarle County’s long-term quality of life. We will directly impact the quality of education, including libraries and media centers, our physical fitness and athletic programs, arts, music and transportation services for our children.

In short, we agree that the following are vital:

· Devoting county resources to provide high quality education and not simply to meet state averages

· Assuring continued support of athletics, music, arts, and new programs such as world languages

· Continuing to financially support our teachers and staff

· Ensuring that our disadvantaged students receive adequate support and opportunities for learning

· Providing safe, at the current-level, transportation services

Our Albemarle County Public School System ranks among the best in the state. We are among the wealthiest counties in Virginia with one of the lowest tax rates. As a point of comparison, our neighbors in the city have a tax rate higher than ours by more than 20 percent and they spend per pupil $16,000 compared to $12,000 in the county. We have the ability to invest more in education.*

Without full budget funding, the county’s goal for excellence in education cannot continue, and our students will be under-prepared for college and careers.

Please sign our petition to support our children, families, and the future of our county! We do not want to settle for average when we have the means and talent to be exceptional!

* Numbers vary based upon changes in revenues and expenses as updates are made using information that changes across the budget cycle from both state and local governments.