Dear Friends of Varina Schools:
You are receiving this newsletter because you have either responded to the on-line survey through www.electmontgomery.com (we are quickly approaching 500 responses) or you or someone you know has told me that you are interested in the future of public education in Varina. There is a lot of work to be done to make certain that our students and teachers receive the same opportunities to learn and teach in clean, modern facilities just as in the other parts of Henrico County. I am personally committed to fighting for much needed improvements and equality of opportunity, no matter how long it takes. Over the past couple of months, I have heard from literally thousands of Varina parents and educators who agree that it is time for Varina to have its fair share of funding for new schools and improvements.
This past Thursday May 17, 2007, at the New Bridge School on Nine Mile Road, I joined dozens of other parents to discuss the future of Henrico public schools. These parents, along with senior Henrico County Public School (HCPS) staff and Superintendent Fred Morton spent over two hours discussing HCPS’ future mission, beliefs and goals. After hearing from Mr. Morton, the audience broke into smaller groups to have very specific discussions regarding the strategic plan for the County’s schools. I participated with a group from the east end of the County, which included a father of an elementary student at Montrose Elementary, a grandmother who identified herself as a substitute teacher and an interested taxpayer, a retiree whose children have all graduated from HCPS schools, a high school security guard, a father of a special needs student, and several others. Together, we provided over 8 “flip charts” filled with ideas to improve HCPS’ mission and belief statements and the underlying goals to meet those beliefs and accomplish HCPS’ mission. All said, it was a great exercise and a great beginning to revising the HCPS strategic plan.
This was also a good example of the kind of improved communications that the School Board must have with the school community. The School Board cannot address problems and meet the needs of the parents, students and faculty without open and honest discussions, no matter how tough the issue. That is why as your school board representative I pledge to meet at least once per semester in each of Varina’s 16 schools.
If you missed the meeting May 17th, the HCPS staff is conducting two more sessions: May 23, at Pocahontas Middle School (12000 Three Chopt Road) and June 18, at Hermitage High School (8310 Hungary Springs Road). Both sessions are 7-9 p.m. Please try to attend and voice your support for Varina’s students and faculty. You may also provide input at www.henrico.k12.va.us.
Sincerely,
John W. Montgomery, Jr.
John Montgomery is seeking to represent the Varina district (which includes all of Sandston, Highland Springs, and Varina) on the Henrico County School Board. John and his family have lived in Varina since leaving the Army. John has served two years as President of his son’s elementary school PTA, and he currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. He serves his community as a member of the Board of Directors at the Chickahominy YMCA, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, and serves as an elder of his church. He is an active member of Rotary International. Additionally, John serves the Commonwealth through a number of gubernatorial appointments. John is committed to fighting (1) to accelerate construction and renovation of schools in Varina, including a new east end high school, (2) to improve communications with parents and school personnel, and (3) to expand opportunities for teachers to leverage technology in everyday teaching. Please tell John what you believe are the most important issues facing our schools by completing a short, on-line survey.
Paid for and authorized by John Montgomery.
