Jim Dillenbeck

Education Give teachers 4-6 weeks of paid maternity/paternity leave. Currently, they get none! Education Recruiting volunteers (UVA Madison House, high school seniors, retirees) to tutor and mentor at risk students in grades 1-8. Education Improving discipline by establishing and enforcing clear expectations for student behavior. Teach appropriate behavior and conflict resolution skills beginning in the elementary grades. Education Holding monthly meetings with teachers and administrators to hear from them about the challenges and areas of improvement. Education Holding quarterly “town hall” meetings with parents to hear their concerns and relay those to the Board. Education Hiring and training more school resource support staff. Education Implementing a bonus system for effective teachers using a systematic evaluation process that incorporates improved test scores and feedback from parents, administrators, and other teachers. Education Supporting and expanding CATEC. Most students who graduate from high school will not go on to a four year university. It is critical that the county provide a variety of high quality technical education courses to prepare the next generation of auto mechanics, cosmetologists, fire fighters, carpenters, and other vital service professionals. Education Shifting funding from central office personnel to teachers and aides and bus drivers. Education Recruiting more teachers of color. Currently, students of color represent almost 40% of the school population but only 11% of teachers. I would encourage an aggressive recruiting program partnering with Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Education Revamping the current grading policies to encourage students to complete assignments on time and prepare for graded work (rather than rely on retakes). Provide remediation as needed. Education Establishing a parent advisory committee to discuss relevant topics and be involved in policy decisions. Education Hiring more teachers to reduce class size and reconfiguring school buildings to allow for greater security and reduced threat exposure. Education Inviting business owners to come and speak with high school students about their experiences and inspire students to set career goals. Education Working with the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce (and related groups) to encourage internships with local businesses and organizations. Education Hiring and training more elementary teachers, reading specialists, and English language specialists.