With a mission to support students-first candidates for the Virginia Beach School Board, Jody and Alan Wagner, along with a group of parents, educators, and members of the Virginia Beach community, have formed The Citizens Advocating for Responsible Education PAC (CARE PAC) – a political action committee in Virginia.
A variety of concerns spurred by current school board members’ comments and policy proposals, including book banning, vouchers and tax credits, making decisions based on “my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” advocating for chaplains and Christian-based curriculum, as well as arming teachers, combined to spur the formation of CARE PAC.
On its website, the group says it believes that the City of Virginia Beach’s public schools are its very best asset and that the group is fighting against political attacks on the schools and educators.
“Our students deserve a world class education, fully funded classrooms, excellent libraries, and the best teachers,” the group’s mission statement says. “This is why we’re committed to electing a school board focused on academic success, student safety and mental health, and getting our schools the resources they need.”
“My job is to ensure that ALL students have access to quality education and that I create policies and regulations that preserve the sanctity of public education,” says Kim Melnyk, chair, Virginia Beach School Board.
“I never dreamed that I would have a front row seat to ‘history repeating itself’ but I am doing everything in my power to stop it in my own community.”
For more information, go to carepacvb.com.