Board adopts resolution calling for passage of ESEA now
WHEREAS, the House and Senate have made progress with the passage of the ESEA bills by each of the respective congressional education committees, however, the legislative process appears to have stalled; and
WHEREAS, as members of the Roanoke County School Board representing 14,157 students, we strongly urge you as a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) (also known as No Child Left Behind) now; and
WHEREAS, delay in reauthorizing ESEA will result in school districts continuing to be forced to spend money and staff time on ineffective mandates. Our local schools should not have to wait any longer. There is too much at stake for America’s schoolchildren; and
WHEREAS, the early successes of NCLB/ESEA have not carried over and now the flaws of the bill are becoming more and more evident. States and districts that initially enjoyed high success rates are increasingly falling below the line set by federal legislation; indeed, some 48% of public schools are now labeled as “failing” by No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and subject to corrective sanctions due to a flawed accountability system; and
WHEREAS, mislabeling of students, schools, and school districts is unfair and unwarranted under the current legislation. Mandated corrective sanctions on “failing” schools and school districts have proven costly with limited or no impact on improving student or school performance; and
WHEREAS, both Congress and the Secretary of Education are on record acknowledging the glaring flaws in the current accountability framework.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that on behalf of the students and community, the Roanoke County School Board urges the support of Congressman Robert Goodlatte in reauthorizing ESEA now. The school board also urges Congressman Goodlatte to work diligently in persuading other members of the House and Senate to pass a new ESEA Act during this 112th Congressional Session.
Adopted by the Roanoke County School Board on April 12, 2012.
(Last updated 4/12/12)