OPINION:
As a parent of four children in the Fairfax County Public School system, I applaud the efforts of Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and members of the General Assembly for working to improve the quality of public education in our state (“With assembly control, GOP pushing through its agenda,” Web, Feb. 13).
Having both a kindergartner and a high school senior who is headed off to college in the fall, I know the importance of a good education, and Fairfax County undoubtedly has one of the best education systems in the country. Mr. McDonnell continues to strive for excellence as he implements measures that will both enhance teachers’ professional development by rewarding good teachers and train others so that they will reach our high academic standards.
Integrating technology into the curriculum and replacing permanent contract status for teachers and administrators with term contracts will help us reach this goal.
Our public school teachers and administration are second to none. They are dedicated, hardworking, compassionate and do a phenomenal job educating our students and preparing them for college or the workforce. Effective professional development of our educators, combined with implementation of term contracts that require fair but firm performance review, are the best ways to ensure our public school students are receiving the education they need in order to successfully compete in a demanding, challenging and increasingly globalized economy.
Congratulations to Mr. McDonnell and members of the General Assembly for courageously making these important and necessary reforms.
LAURA MURPHY
Fairfax Station
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