Dear Members of the Virginia Legislative Committee, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 410, which mandates that all school boards participate in the SAT School Day program and requires student participation. As a concerned citizen and parent of two high school students in Virginia, I believe this bill, while well-intentioned, imposes unnecessary burdens on families and schools, and I respectfully urge you to reconsider its passage. One significant concern with HB 410 is the lack of flexibility it offers to school boards and families. By mandating participation in the SAT School Day program, the bill disregards the diverse needs of students across the state. Not all students plan to attend college, and many may pursue vocational training or other paths where the SAT is irrelevant. Forcing every student to participate in this program could divert resources and time from other educational priorities tailored to their individual goals. Additionally, the mandatory nature of the bill overlooks the financial and logistical challenges some families face. For instance, while the program may cover testing fees for some, it does not account for indirect costs such as transportation or time away from work for parents who must support their children on testing day. These burdens could disproportionately affect low-income families, creating inequities rather than resolving them. From a personal perspective, as a parent, I worry about the added stress this mandate places on my children. My daughter, who is already navigating a rigorous academic schedule, feels overwhelmed by standardized testing and would benefit more from personalized college preparation or career counseling. My son, who is considering a trade career, sees little value in the SAT, yet under HB 410, he would be required to participate. This one-size-fits-all approach does not account for their unique aspirations and could detract from their ability to focus on relevant opportunities. I believe our schools should prioritize flexibility to support each student’s path, rather than enforcing a uniform testing requirement that may not serve all. In conclusion, I respectfully oppose HB 410 due to its lack of adaptability for diverse student needs and the potential financial and emotional strain it places on families like mine. I believe Virginia’s education system thrives when it empowers local school boards and parents to make decisions that best fit their communities and children. Thank you for considering my perspective and for your dedication to shaping policies that impact our students’ futures.

I am writing to express my opposition to HB 410, which mandates participation in the SAT School Day program for all school boards and requires student involvement in this initiative. As a concerned citizen and parent of school-aged children in Virginia, I believe this bill, while well-intentioned, imposes unnecessary burdens on our schools and students, and I respectfully urge you to reconsider its passage. First, HB 410 mandates participation without accounting for the diverse needs and resources of individual school districts. Many schools, particularly in rural or underfunded areas, may lack the infrastructure, staff, or funding to effectively implement such a program. This one-size-fits-all approach risks placing an undue strain on already stretched budgets and personnel, potentially diverting resources from other critical educational priorities such as teacher support or extracurricular programs. Schools should have the flexibility to determine whether such a program aligns with their unique circumstances and student needs. Second, requiring student participation raises significant concerns about equity and student well-being. Not all students are prepared for or interested in taking the SAT during a designated school day, and mandating their involvement could create unnecessary stress or anxiety, particularly for those who may not plan to attend a four-year college or who require accommodations. This compulsory aspect of HB 410 overlooks the importance of personalized educational pathways and could inadvertently disadvantage students who thrive in alternative assessments or career-focused programs. As a parent, I am deeply invested in ensuring that our education system supports every child’s individual potential. My own children attend a Virginia public school where resources are often limited, and I worry that the additional burden of implementing a mandatory SAT School Day program could detract from the tailored support they need to succeed. I want to see policies that empower local school boards to make decisions in the best interest of their communities, rather than imposing blanket requirements that may not fit every context. Furthermore, I am concerned about the added pressure this mandate could place on students like mine, who deserve the freedom to pursue their education without the stress of a one-size-fits-all testing requirement. In conclusion, I respectfully oppose HB 410 due to its lack of flexibility for school boards and its potential to burden students unfairly. I believe Virginia’s education system will better serve our communities by prioritizing local decision-making and student-centered policies. Thank you for considering my perspective on this important matter.