Dear Representatives of Virginia, I am a resident of Franklin County. My son attends Snow Creek Elementary School, one of the three schools that the Franklin County School Board has proposed to close and a consolidate. While this appears to be a School Board and Board of Supervisors issue, the deep issue is the outdated LCI Equation. Around 50% of students live in poverty in Franklin County. This equation is especially failing these students. Do what is right, and support our youth. Thank you, Maggie Lavoie

Comments Document

The attached written testimony provides information about spending on education and how the effects can be amplified by strong state policies that prioritize student-centered funding, accountability for outcomes, and evidence-based practices. You can find an education funding how-to guide here: https://excelined.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ExcelinEd.StudentCenteredStateFunding.AHowToGuideForStates.Nov2017-1.pdf

To whom it may concern: To close Snow Creek Elementary school would be a travesty. I have lived in this community all of my life and 5 generations of my family have gone to this school. #1 in the county #41 in the state. The surrounding schools are over populated already. The whole county does not revolve around Smith Mountain Lake. Snow Creek is a large area and the additional busing is not worth it. There has to be another solution possibly tailored just for Snow Creek school. There should be meetings with all parents and all obstacles addressed. Please do not take our school. It is structurally sound and in excellent condition. The closest school is over crowded and already has multiple annex buildings to hold all the students. This is not just a building, it's a place for children to go and be educated by an incredible staff of teachers and administration. Thank you for your time

Honorable Delegates, I'm sure you've received a tremendous amount of feedback regarding the possible closure of three Franklin County Elementary Schools. So, I'm going to add to it. I'm sure you know that our children are the future of our country. Our children deserve the best possible opportunity to learn, they've already lost so much instructional time due to COVID and need their educational situation to get better; not worse. The schools being considered for closure are rural, the kids already spend an hour or more on the bus daily. The kids shouldn't have to spend even more time on the bus and that's what will happen if these schools are closed. Schools are already having a hard time retaining the best educators, if these schools are closed I'm afraid that situation will get even harder. Everybody loses if these schools are closed, first the kids, their parents and the FCPS personnel. I truly believe that you can't put a price tag on the future of our country, so I implore you to find a solution to keep these three elementary schools open. As my Grandma says, "where there's a will, there's a way". Franklin County parents have the will, I hope you have the will and find a way. Thank you for taking time to review my opinion. Respectfully Jeanneane Davidson

I am very concerned with the loss of funding for our school system here in Franklin County. One of the main purposes of our state tax money is to support schools, so I am very concerned on why this has been cut. The state requirements of public education continue to rise, but the monetary support is declining. That does not make sense to me. Because of this cut in state funding, my county is faced with some tough decisions if we do not get the Board of Supervisors to give our school system the money. One of their plans is to close 1-3 elementary schools. This would lead to large class sizes at the other schools. This would hinder the education of students. No one can dispute the fact that smaller class sizes allows better student support. Something needs to be fixed here, and I believe it starts at the state level. Thank you for your time.

I am writing to urge your support for House Bill 366, specifically addressing the proposed changes to the Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program. As a concerned constituent, I believe these bills will greatly benefit both our Virginia National Guard members and the institutions of higher education they attend. The amendments to the existing code outlined in the bills introduce crucial modifications to the current structure of the Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program, or STAP. I am particularly supportive of the provision (i) that empowers the Adjutant General to regulate the eligibility requirements and conditions for the grants under the program. This ensures flexibility and adaptability to the evolving needs of our National Guard members. The elimination of the requirement to settle financial obligations at the beginning of each semester, as highlighted in provision (ii), is a commendable step towards easing the financial burden on our dedicated National Guard personnel. This change recognizes the challenges they face and supports their pursuit of higher education without unnecessary upfront financial strain. Provisions (iii) and (iv), simplifying academic performance requirements and determining the grant amount based on the difference between full tuition and fees and other eligible educational benefits, showcase a thoughtful approach to enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of the program. By supporting House Bill 366 and Senate Bill 219, you would contribute significantly to the welfare of our National Guard members and promote a stronger foundation for higher education institutions in our state. I kindly request you to champion these bills in the upcoming legislative session, ensuring that our Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen receive the support they deserve. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to seeing your continued commitment to the well-being of our community.

Dear Committee, I am a father of two elementary-aged children in Franklin County, Virginia. I am asking that you please consider a reform of the current K-12 funding formula used for Virginia's public schools. This will result in a $3.7 million in funding next fiscal year, causing us to have to close up to 3 elementary schools. One of these is an awarded Blue Ribbon school. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Chris M. Brown, M.A. Ed. cbrown04@vt.edu 540-493-8136

as parents of students at Snow Creek Elementary School. Recent announcements surrounding the loss of state funding for our school system has our community very concerned that a budget shortfall could potentially result in the closure of elementary schools and the disbursement of students to neighboring locales. While we understand the task of budgeting and being the stewards of our taxpayer dollars is difficult, we do not support the closure of Snow Creek Elementary School as a solution to the cut in state funding and budget deficit. It is our hope and expectation that you, as our district representatives, will work collaboratively to prevent the closure of our school by researching, proposing, and voting for viable alternatives to rectify this budget gap. Snow Creek Elementary is ranked as the #1 elementary school in Franklin County and #41 out of 1031 ranked schools in Virginia according to US News. Students at Snow Creek Elementary scored 84% proficiency in English and 90% proficiency in math in 2023, while the district average was 75% and 70% proficiency respectively. Snow Creek Elementary is a National Title I Distinguished School and was one of the U.S. Department of Education’s coveted National Blue Ribbon School Awardees in 2015. This prestigious award is considered the highest honor an American school can achieve, with less than 1% of public schools receiving this honor each year. These stats and awards undeniably prove that our school is excelling and that our team of employees, parents and students have worked hard to overcome adversity and not only survive, but thrive! The sense of community fostered at Snow Creek Elementary is unparalleled. The collaborative and caring atmosphere at our school contributes to the low staff turnover rate as well as the staff’s desire to see every single student succeed. Spending even a small amount of time at our school will prove to all who visit that this sense of community and positive atmosphere has directly contributed to our high ranking among state schools and our spot as #1 among County schools. The scenarios summarized by The Space and Utilization Study performed by Evergreen Solutions take into account the operational and maintenance costs associated with each facility. One must also take into serious consideration key downfalls of the proposed closing such as transportation dilemmas and increased commute times, layoffs, overcrowded classrooms and facilities, increased unenrollment (decreased Average Daily Membership (ADM)) and detriment to the overall well being of the affected community, specifically our students. The Franklin County Department of Planning and Community Development identifies Snow Creek as one of the county’s seven villages. Villages are defined as the “primary focus for local services, social activities, and community life, as well as providing opportunities for employment.” Community facilities that “serve the needs of the rural communities” surrounding these villages “include, but are not limited to churches, elementary schools, fire and rescue sites, post offices and recreation areas.” Identifying the closure of Snow Creek Elementary School as a potential solution to the budget cut, directly contradicts the goals of the Comprehensive Plan by eliminating vital facilities that enhance and entice future residents to settle here in our “village”. It is heartbreaking to to think about. We moved back here just for this school.

The Local Ability-to-Pay (LCI) Index has resulted in a reduction of funds to our local public school system. There are concerns this index is not accurate and places an undue burden on counties. Franklin County Public Schools is considering closing 3 elementary schools to make up for the funding gap and continued budget issues. One of these schools is in the top 10% in the state, the top school in the district, and at 83% capacity (acceptable levels). It's a National Blue Ribbon School. These aren't the types of schools counties or states should allow to close over real estate tax discrepancies. The funding per pupil by state funds is low in Virginia compared to the majority of other states. Virginia needs to address these funding concerns.

Hello, I am reaching out as a concerned parent regarding a 3.7 million dollar cut in education funding for Franklin County in 2024 due to LCI calculations. This cut in funding is projected to lead to the closure of three elementary schools next year. This will undoubtedly be a travesty to the communities affected, all of which already fall well below the poverty level. Please consider looking into this issue further and specifically advancing the proposal to update the state’s LCI formula. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Danielle White