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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA – Today, ahead of Winsome Earle-Sears’ stop in Charlottesville, the Democratic Party of Virginia held a press conference with elected officials and the Virginia Education Association president calling on Sears to stand up to the chaos that threatens opportunities for Virginia students. 

Winsome Earle-Sears supports an extreme agenda that would strip funding from Virginia public schools and create chaos and uncertainty for Virginia students and their families. 

"Winsome Earle-Sears is more interested in supporting Trump than fighting for Virginia students. She has yet to stand up for Virginia, but is trying to be Governor. Tonight, when she campaigns here in Charlottesville, she must explain why she wants to defund our schools and sell out our students," said State Senator Creigh Deeds. 

“As a member of the House of Delegates, a former teacher and a school board member, I believe education is one of the most pressing issues that our communities face,” said Virginia Delegate Katrina Callsen.  “In this moment of uncertainty and instability, Virginians need a leader who is willing to take anyone on to protect the programs and institutions our students rely on. Winsome Earle-Sears is focused on doing the opposite – gutting education and selling our students out.”

"It’s even more important that Virginia has strong statewide leaders like Abigail Spanberger who are focused on strengthening our education system, creating opportunity, and standing up when the programs that help students succeed are being targeted. Winsome Earle-Sears has proven again and again that they aren’t on the side of Virginia students and their families," said Mayor Juandiego Wade. 

"If you’re running to lead this Commonwealth, you should be focused on what’s best for our students — and it’s clear that Winsome Earle-Sears isn’t. We need leaders who will stand up against attacks on our students' ability to thrive," said Virginia Education Association President Carol Bauer.

Read more about Winsome Earle-Sears’ extreme record on education:

• Winsome Earle-Sears has a long record of supporting legislation that would cut funding from Virginia’s public schools.
• Sears has repeatedly tried to defund public education. 
• She also supports using taxpayer dollars for private schools.

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