Singstock only candidate to provide class size reduction plan

Opinion 

There is only one candidate running for Chairman of the Prince William County School Board with a concrete plan and a price tag to reduce class sizes.

That’s why I’m supporting Tim Singstock for School Board Chairman. We can finally understand specific targets and a specific price tag for reducing classroom sizes. Tim’s plan will allow us to discuss the solution as taxpayers and families while empowering both our School Board and our County Supervisors to work together to achieve positive outcomes for our children.

While no other candidates have assigned a price tag, Tim has already provided a vision and an action plan. He’s well prepared to lead an important and necessary public dialogue about our schools and their priorities. With each phase of class size reduction costing $4.2 million, Tim’s leadership will keep us engaged and informed. This will be absolutely essential when it comes time to make decisions between other programs and class size reduction.

Another aspect of Tim’s proposal is the degree to which smaller class sizes will help to improve teacher morale. Teachers are highly dedicated professionals who will be energized because they will spend more time teaching and less time managing behavior.

Tim’s plan begins class size reduction in the middle schools as they have the highest average class sizes (31.5) in both Prince William County, and also in the surrounding Washington Area Boards of Education. Under Tim’s leadership, I am fully confident the School Board will make fiscally responsible decisions to direct funding into the beginning phases of his class size reduction program.

Our children will be better served and better educated in smaller class rooms. At-risk students will stay engaged throughout middle school; this will reduce high school dropout rates. Tim’s plan will have a measurable impact on our children in Prince William County.

As a taxpayer I appreciate knowing how a candidate’s plans will utilize our tax dollars to make a difference in the community. Tim is a tested leader and an experienced collaborator. I’m confident he will produce the results that Prince William County families deserve.

Please join me in voting for Tim Singstock, our next School Board Chair on November 3rd.

Daniel A. Varroney lives near Dale City, Virginia.