LTE: Daniel Right Choice in 33rd to Guard Public Education Funds

Dear Editors, 

Professional educators in Virginia 33rd House of Delegates District are proud of their service to Clarke, Frederick and Loudoun’s 100+ public schools, so when I read that candidates for state legislature could potentially dismantle Virginia’s public education system, I’m alarmed! While instructional needs should guide decisions about funding, we see arbitrary tax limits suggested before local school boards even submit requests.

I attended an August “meet and greet” for Mary Daniel and expressed grave concern for protection of public education funding. Ms. Daniel sensed my frustration and answered me in a thoughtful and articulate manner, reassuring me “educational funding should be a priority for the General Assembly.”

Unfortunately, Mary’s response was misrepresented by a reporter and citizen response. Absent from one article was the first part of her answer regarding educational choices. Ms. Daniel stated that while several of her family members are public school educators, others in her family taught children at home. She emphasized her support for those personal decisions, yet shared that should not change her view about where tax monies are used. 

Ms. Daniel recognizes “tax dollars are investments into our public schools,” knowing there’s inadequate funding. School options are available, but they’re not all taxpayer-subsidized. She reminded us “we don’t get tax refunds for other services we chose not to use.”

Diverting millions of Virginia dollars from public education to entities that don’t adhere to similar learning standards or programs of study, meet requisite educational preparation, maintain time-on-task, earn accreditation, or provide support services is neither fiscally nor educationally sound in my view.

I’ve done my homework and hope you will also before Nov. 5. Mary Daniel is the perfect choice for House of Delegates for many reasons, one being her strong support for public education and respect for a majority of constituents who use those services. 

Brenda Bengtson
Hamilton, VA