VIRGINIA – Today as Charlottesville students began a new school-year, elected leaders called out Winsome Earle-Sears for her extreme record attacking public education. Earlier this year, the Youngkin-Sears Administration attempted to slash funding for school support staff.
 
Sears has worked to defund public schools, and backed Donald Trump’s attacks on public education that’s creating chaos and uncertainty for Virginia students and their families. 
 
“As a State Senator, I’ve seen how important it is that we have leaders who fight for our students, invest in our schools, and make sure that every Virginian has the opportunity to thrive,” said Senator Creigh Deeds. “While Winsome Earle-Sears wants to sell out our students, Abigail Spanberger is committed to fighting for them, their parents and their teachers.”
 
“I know from my time in the classroom and as the Chair of Charlottesville School Board that cutting investments in education has severe consequences. From affordable child care to college, our kids must be in the best position to succeed and compete in a fast-paced and rapidly evolving economy,” said Delegate Amy Laufer. “Today as students are returning to school, they need a leader who is focused on strengthening our schools, not defunding them like Winsome Earle-Sears would.” 
 
“I've seen the power that a quality education can have - in my own life and in my students' lives. I understand how important it is that we invest in our students from kindergarten through university to ensure that they are ready for anything the future brings," said Delegate Katrina Callsen. “While Virginia needs a leader who understands that, Winsome Earle-Sears has an extreme record attacking public schools.”
 
"Since her earliest days in office, Winsome Earle-Sears has attacked public schools and tried to roll back funding. She wants to defund our public schools leaving students without the resources or support they need to thrive," said Charlottesville Mayor Juandiego Wade. “At this moment, we need strong leaders like Abigail Spanberger who are looking out for these Virginians and for all of our students, whether they’re in kindergarten or 12th grade and beyond, and fight for them.” 
 
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 and has repeatedly tried to defund public education.

  • She also supports using taxpayer dollars for private schools.

• Sears has been called out for dodging questions about her extreme record on education. 

Abigail Spanberger’s Strengthening Virginia Schools Plan outlines her priorities for strengthening Virginia’s child care and early childhood education programs, K-12 schools, and institutions of higher education. Read more here.

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