RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC)- Education is a top priority for Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin but some of his plans lack specifics.
Earlier this week, Youngkin as soon as once more signaled his administration’s emphasis on school-related points by saying his choose for Secretary of Education earlier than some other cupboard place. At an occasion on Wednesday, soon-to-be Secretary Aimee Rogstad Guidera mentioned she’s in settlement with Youngkin with regards to banning important race principle, passing a report training price range, repairing crumbling colleges, investing in particular training, elevating trainer pay and creating no less than 20 innovation constitution colleges.
“This is our opportunity to really move forward with the mandate we were given by Virginia’s parents this past November,” Youngkin mentioned in a one-on-one interview on Thursday.
The diploma to which important race principle is at present being taught in Virginia colleges–if in any respect–is disputed and some training specialists have mentioned there is no clear path for Youngkin to implement a statewide ban as promised on the marketing campaign path.
Asked if he deliberate to take action by way of laws, the price range or the Board of Education, Youngkin mentioned, “We aren’t going to burden our kids by viewing everything through a lens of race. On day one, I will sign an executive order that will in fact get rid of critical race theory.”
The Virginia Department of Education has estimated that fixing and repairing crumbling college buildings is a $25 billion downside. Governor Ralph Northam proposed a fraction of that–$500 million over two years–in his outgoing price range.
Asked if that’s a massive sufficient funding and if he would decide to an ongoing state funding stream for college development versus a one-time money injection, Youngkin mentioned, “It’s something we’re going to need to further review.”
“I do think this is an opportunity for us to use the extensive amount of resources that are available right now to try to close that gap and I am committed, as I’ve said before, to having the largest education budget in the history of Virginia,” Youngkin furthered.
Bipartisan proposals to create a secure state income supply to complement native college development tasks have failed many occasions previously, in line with Republican Del. Israel O’Quinn, the brand new Deputy Majority Leader within the Virginia House of Delegates.
“That one injection is good but all it does is probably deal with a dozen schools across the commonwealth and there are localities that need half or more of their schools replaced,” O’Quinn mentioned in a telephone interview referring to Governor Northam’s proposal. “So to have a revolving fund that replenishes through some mechanism would be much more preferable.”
Northam has additionally proposed a 10 p.c pay increase for educators over two years.
Speaking with reporters final week, Youngkin mentioned Northam’s proposal laid the groundwork for his ‘Day One Game Plan’ with out committing to a particular p.c improve. The Governor-elect’s transition group didn’t reply to comply with up questions on Thursday about trainer raises.