RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – Like many parents, Janell Adams will be voting in the November Gubernatorial election.
With education a top priority for her children, she wants to know the candidates will ensure all children get a good education in Virginia.
“To be able to grow up, be something important and stay out of trouble,” she said.
Education is always a hot topic in elections, especially this year when the state is being sued for its plan to take over several failing schools; including one in Petersburg.
Both Republican Ken Cuccinelli and Democrat Terry McAuliffe agree on one thing: they don’t approve of Governor Bob McDonnell’s education policy on closing failing schools and having a board at the state level take over.
“I don’t support that. I’m not sure with the new school district, we don’t know the funding, we don’t know requirements for it,” said McAuliffe.
As Attorney General, Cuccinelli said Tuesday night another lawyer will have to defend the Governor’s policy.
As a candidate, Cuccinelli said public schools should be managed by local districts.
CBS 6 News’ Chelsea Rarrick asked Cuccinelli who would be holding the local jurisdictions accountable.
“Under Virginia Constitution, and it is very explicit, that that’s where the buck stops is with the local governments,” said Cuccinelli.
CBS 6 asked McAuliffe about his plan for helping failing public schools in Virginia.
“Let’s get our best practices. Let’s get all the stakeholders around the table. Let’s fix those schools,” said McAuliffe.
CBS 6 asked McAuliffe about some of the costs of his plan, and where the money would come from as many local districts struggle.
“The Medicaid expansion is critical to the future of Virginia and Virginia’s economy,” said McAuliffe.
