Opinion

At the State Senate annual Finance Retreat two weeks ago, staff updated the State Senate on Virginia’s economy, projected revenues and significant budget issues expected during the 2016 session to begin on January 13.  The news is a mixed bag.

First, Virginia’s economy is still struggling.  Thanks to the “Sequester,” large, across-the-board, federal budget cuts, federal spending in Virginia is down by 33 percent over just last year.  That’s $24 billion fewer dollars coming into the Virginia economy.  Not surprisingly, economic growth has been flat statewide.  Twelve percent of homes are still short sales due to stagnant home prices and our predicted economic growth for 2016 is about one-third less than the national rate.

My name is Riley Kotlus and I am an 11 year old student in Prince William County.  

Two years ago my family moved so that we could be closer to my dad’s job so he could get to work faster.  My dad commutes to work everyday.

As I criss-cross eastern Prince William County in my quest to become the next Occoquan Supervisor, people at their doors tell me that traffic congestion is a nightmare and getting worse, especially during extended rush hours and when school is in session.

While our major interstate arteries are clogged, most conversations at the doors are about congestion on Old Bridge Road, Smoketown Road, Davis Ford Road, Yates Ford Road, and similar roadways.

Betty Covington is the right choice for Potomac District, Prince William County School Board. Betty has dedicated her life to helping children, standing up for teachers, giving back to her community. 

It was an honor to serve with her on the school board from 2003-2009.  You always know where she stands, on the side of our students, teachers and parents. 

Over the past year, I’ve knocked on countless doors across Coles District, telling voters, “I’m running for School Board to prioritize our budget and put more money in the classroom to educate our students.” It’s a simple message, but a focus that will improve our School System. As we prioritize our students, we will achieve the results our community deserves.

While our school system does a lot with the resources it has, there are a number of ways we can do better.

Maya Angelou once said “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

No, this is not 2003 and Hilda Barg is not running for reelection for Woodbridge District Supervisor but having knocked on over 4,000 doors in the Woodbridge District this year, I have gained great appreciation and admiration for her legendary name in Woodbridge.

I have spent more than forty years working in education – including classroom teacher, administrator, district chief information officer, school board member, technology consultant, and founder of an online high school.  I had the pleasure of spending a couple of hours in a one-on-one meeting with Tracy talking about education. 

I asked her, “What is the single most significant factor in determining a student’s success in school?”  She responded, “The student’s home environment.”  According to the research – overwhelmingly the correct answer.  I then asked her what the biggest factor in the classroom was.  She replied, “Keeping the students engaged in learning.”  Right again.  Very impressive. Though these are the correct answers, they are not the answers you usually hear. 

Have you ever taught middle school?  Does the thought of it make you cringe? 

On a daily basis, there is an abundance of name calling, raging hormones, finger pointing, dirty tricks and excuses, excuses, excuses.  No, I’m not talking about Richmond politics – but I easily could be.