A Renaissance of Public Education
Public education is the ultimate economic development driver for Lynchburg. Strong schools produce local talent, elevate property values, and attract employers. The narrative must shift from "managing decline" to pursuing an elite standard through community-wide collaboration.
Restore Financial Autonomy & TrustCity Council must stop micromanaging the school system's budget through restrictive "buckets" or line-item categories, which signals a profound lack of trust. You will advocate for returning to block funding, coupled with rigorous, results-oriented accountability measures set by the School Board.
The Collective Impact ModelSchools cannot solve generational poverty and behavioral issues alone. The city must adopt a "Collective Impact" approach, bringing together City Council, the School Board, nonprofits, and the business community to align around shared, measurable goals.
Expand Career & Technical Education (CTE)Connect students to immediate local economic mobility through robust CTE programs (like welding, culinary arts, and the "coffee pathway"). Partner with local businesses to create city-wide internships, keeping Lynchburg's youth engaged and invested in the local workforce.
Address the Opportunity Gap EarlyAdvocate for universal early childhood education. Currently, half of Lynchburg's 3- and 4-year-olds have no pre-K experience, which creates an immediate deficit. Furthermore, shift discipline toward restorative practices and expand alternative education programs to keep at-risk youth engaged rather than pushing them onto the streets.
Revive the "Town and Gown" PartnershipRe-institute the coalition of Lynchburg’s higher education presidents (Liberty, University of Lynchburg, Randolph, CVCC) and city leadership. This task force should move beyond networking and facilitate formal partnerships where universities "adopt" specific LCS schools or challenges, providing residencies, mentorship, and research-backed solutions.
Return to "Paper-First" LiteracyPush to prioritize non-screen-based curricular materials. Studies confirm that reading comprehension—especially for nonfiction—is significantly higher when students read from paper compared to digital screens.
Ban the use of iPads, Chromebooks, and personal devices. Face-to-face interactions are essential for developing empathy, interpreting body language, and building the conflict resolution skills that screens strip away.