Joel McDonald introduces himself, his beliefs, and why he is running for the Virginia Beach School Board. Be sure to donate to the campaign, or sign up to volunteer.
Hi, my name is Joel McDonald, and I’m running for the Virginia Beach School Board, in the Rose Hall District.
I’m running to be an advocate for our schools. As a graduate of Bayside High School, right here in Virginia Beach, and as someone who has spent the last years in our schools as a Data Support Specialist and School Improvement Coordinator, I believe in quality public education. I’m also a proud member of the Virginia Beach Education Association, where I’ve worked to ensure our schools have the resources that they need.
We need people on our school board who will stand up for the quality of our schools, and who understand that that quality can’t be measured in arbitrary numbers. Students need to be prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st Century, which go beyond the memorization of facts or the ability to complete a multiple choice test.
We can be proud that Virginia Beach is already on the path of making sure our students can meet those challenges; however, we need to provide the leadership and the resources to continue that progress.
We need to treat our teachers and education professionals fairly, and reward for experience. The morale of educators has an impact on the opportunities for success of our students. Fair treatment is more than competitive pay. We need to do more to reach out to educators, to bring them to the table, let their voices be heard, and treat them like the professionals they are.
We should do all we can to make sure that we’re providing opportunities to every student, no matter what path they might be on. Not every student will go to college or a university immediately upon graduating from high school, and many will need help paying for the rising cost of higher education.
That’s why, in addition to their core studies, students should have the opportunity to gain industry certifications so that they are both prepared for higher education and the workplace of today, and tomorrow.
This campaign may very well be about a choice between two beliefs: the belief that quality public education can be a launching pad for lifelong success for every student, and the belief that quality education should only be available to those who can afford it.
I stand on the side of quality public schools and quality public education for every student.
To win this election, I am going to need your help to reach out to voters all across Virginia Beach. We’re going to need to purchase signs, stickers, mailings, and more. All of this takes money, and it is only be made possible through the generous support of people like you. Please make a financial contribution to this campaign. You can visit my website at www.votemcdonald.org, to learn how to make a contribution either online or through the mail.
Together, I know we will be successful in building a brighter future.
Thank you.