Education:

Here in Northern Virginia we take pride in the caliber of our public schools. Our children have benefitted from the school systems we have in Fairfax and Prince William. Many of our high schools are nationally ranked, and our students are afforded a wide range of educational opportunities. Virginia also is recognized for outstanding public colleges and universities, from the community college system to premier universities. Senator Barker is not content to rest on our accolades, and is working hard to continue to improve our educational system.

School Construction

Northern Virginia is rightfully recognized for the quality of our school systems. But it’s apparent to even a casual observer that we have capacity problems. When brand new schools open with trailers, much needed new schools are not scheduled to be built until five or more years after needed, renovations of older buildings languish for years, and counties cannot sell bonds for critical projects because of bond ceilings, something needs to be done. Senator Barker sponsored initiatives to help address this problem. Senator Barker’s study resolution on school construction financing options passed the Senate in 2008 with overwhelming support, yet unfortunately was killed in a House subcommittee without even a vote.

Barker’s Senate Bill 737, which would have established a School Construction Revolving Loan Fund, was a bipartisan effort that he jointly proposed with Republican Senator Harry Blevins and Republican Delegate Tom Rust. Partly modeled after other successful loan funds, it would establish a revolving fund that would gradually grow and increase the amount of loans that could be provided. The fund could offer loans at below market rates and could take advantage of innovative approaches such as lease revenue options that could be of great benefit in some specific situations in our district. This legislation was passed by for the year to allow the State to study the proposed funding mechanism. It will be considered again next year.

Pre-K

Senator Barker has worked on early education issues for a number of years, and recognizes the benefits to children that preschool provides. This year George voted in favor of a budget that increased funding for pre-k programs. Prior to his election to office, he was a consultant to the Commonwealth on the Early Education Program, and was able to demonstrate to the General Assembly the long-term value of pre-k programs. Data indicate that those students who attend preschool perform better on third grade reading tests than those who do not. Additionally, test scores on third grade reading exams are used to predict the number of prisons that will be needed. Given these two facts, it is evident that funding pre-k has a valuable fiscal impact as well: by expanding pre-k programs, less money will need to be appropriated for prisons.

Teachers’ Salaries

As a parent of two children, one of whom is now a teacher, Senator Barker is aware of the vital role that teachers play in our society. He is committed to helping Virginia attract top class teachers for our classrooms. Increasing teacher salaries is crucial to achieving this. In keeping with his campaign pledge to fight to move Virginia toward meeting its education responsibilities under the State’s Standards of Quality, George supported a budget which included an increase for teachers’ salaries. He also voted in favor of legislation that would mandate that the state average teacher salary be equal to that of the national average teacher salary.