Bob McDonnell on Deeds Opposition to Education Reform with Charter Schools and Performance Pay
Statement of Bob McDonnell on Deeds Opposition to Education Reform with Charter Schools and Performance Pay
RICHMOND - Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial nominee and former Attorney General of Virginia, issued the following statement today regarding Creigh Deeds’ apparent opposition to charter schools and performance pay for teachers and principals.
“I was disappointed to see the video yesterday of my opponent supporting the comments of the head of the Virginia Education Association when it comes to charter schools and performance pay. Just two weeks ago she wrote in The Washington Post that ‘charters do not make sense for Virginia.’ While campaigning with Senator Deeds this week she again made clear her determination to work behind the scenes to apparently water down or impede the President’s efforts to expand the number of charter schools nationwide and provide performance pay for teachers and principals. It is a baffling position considering that the President and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recently announced their “Race to the Top” education reform plan to provide billions in federal education funding for the states that robustly expand charter schools and enact performance pay plans. Apparently my opponent is more interested in the support of union leaders over significant additional education funding for Virginia’s children and more recognition for our hard working teachers and principals. I know my opponent voted against the original legislation simply allowing the creation of charter schools in Virginia 11 years ago. Apparently his position has not changed. I’m surprised that with Presient Obama campaigning today with Senator Deeds, he would oppose the President’s major education reforms.”
“I don’t agree with the President on a number of issues. But he is absolutely right in his strong support for the expansion of charter schools and the implementation of performance pay. Every child deserves the opportunity to attend a great school. Charter schools provide parents and kids real choices for educational innovation and excellence, especially in some rural and urban areas which have schools that are not fully accredited. As governor I will join the President in a bipartisan effort to greatly expand the number of charter schools in Virginia, and see to it that our hard working teachers and principals get the support they deserve. I will make sure Virginia’s children get all the federal funding available to them. A good education today is the key to getting a good job tomorrow. I will help give every Virginia child that key.”