RICHMOND, Va (WTVR) -- Fewer teachers, fewer classes and fewer options are what many Virginia students are facing. Today students from the Maggie Walker Governor's School took their concerns to the General Assembly. The nearly 60 students took a field trip with a purpose to Capitol Square to speak with lawmakers.
"This is critical," Maggie Walker Junior student Matthew King said. "What you see here and what you see behind me is the future of this country. And I think education is a critical investment."
The students and state leaders met face-to-face, to discuss ways to avoid budget cuts to the 19 Virginia Governor's Schools. The state schools are also facing the possibility of having to lay off teachers. And when it comes to some educators finding themselves ineligible for Governor Bob McDonnell's proposed salar raise, Matthew King wants to take the issue straight to the governor.
"I would say 'Governor, Thank You so much for the two-percent salary increase. I think our teachers desperately need it. But I think I it should apply to all teachers in Virginia.'"
"We are at a crisis point in the state," Marianne Macon, Maggie Walker PTSA representative said. "So this is not just for their school, it's for schools all over the Commonwealth."
Already several lawmakers have shown their support, by putting forth an amendment that calls for nearly a $300,000 annual increase for Governor's Schools.
