VIRGINIA NEEDS TO MAKE BETTER CHOICES FOR OUR CHILDREN!!!!! In less than two weeks the General Assembly in the House and Senate will be voting on the respective budget. This budget will drastically impact New Kent Schools!!! In this budget: *There is a 12% cut in the states per pupil funding for each locality. New Kent is 1 of the 6 lowest per pupil funded counties in Va. already! *The money allocated in this budget for education will primarily be used to fund the Va. Retirement System because the state underfunded the system in 2010, and took out a 10 year loan to fund it. In this budget the system would be paid back in full by each locality. *K-12 class sizes (Va. use to be ranked 3rd in the nation and is now ranked 41st), teacher positions and raises, athletics, special programs, ultimately our children will all suffer from this decision. These legislators who are advocating this bill had the audacity to vote themselves, state workers, and all higher educator’s raises, but notk-12 teachers! If you believe in our children and their future, please sign the attached petition urging our state officials to make common sense decisions to provide a bright future for our young Virginians! Help us New Kent! Make a difference!!!!!