Rally in Richmond

By Gracie Hart
Staff Writer

An Orange County woman is spearheading a march on Richmond this weekend. Hundreds of Virginia educators and parents are expected to take over the Capitol Square Grounds in Richmond Saturday rallying against proposed state budget reductions to public education.
When Orange County High School bus driver and parent Lori Gues sat in a meeting held by superintendent Dr. Bob Grimesey listening to the tremendous budget reductions in public education being proposed at the state level, she knew she had to do something. That something turned into a major rally for public education funding being backed by both the Orange County Education Association and the Virginia Educational Association that is expected to garner the participation of school officials and parents from divisions throughout the state.
"I thought, 'what can I do?'" Gues said. "My main reason [for doing this] is what will these cuts do to our children?"
Gues said the state's proposed cuts to public education are unconstitutional. She said the people of Virginia were promised funding for public education and its been taken away.
"They are cutting education to replace other things," she said. "This is different than what was promised to the people of Virginia. My theory is if [the state doesn't] fund public education, they will need to put aside money for prisons because that is where the children will end up."
Gues said she believes the budget cuts may have an underlying motive.
"I think it is important for the citizens of Orange and Virginia become involved to protect our future, our children," she said. "Not only will the proposed state cuts effect Orange, but Virginia's economy as well. It is my opinion that Gov. McDonnell is setting public schools up for complete failure, to endorse charter schools."
Since coming up with the idea for the rally, Gues has received support from many people and organizations including Blue Ridge UniServ, which is part of the Virginia Education Association and National Education Association and provides advice, counsel and support to the 12 education associations within the Blue Ridge area. The Virginia Educational Association has also joined on as a major supporter of the rally, as well as the Orange County Education Association (OCEA).
"The Orange County Education Association is prepared to take 450 people to the rally," OCEA President Wanda Jones said. "We urge anyone and everyone who is capable to join us! Martin Luther King, Jr. once said 'injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' Without voices, injustice will prevail and justice will not be served."
Jones said she believes the rally is an important step in supporting education and sends a message to legislators about the proposed budget reductions.
"This rally sends a clear message from voices across the commonwealth to Gov. McDonnell and General Assembly members that we do not agree with the budget cuts and that we will not sit quietly and watch the process unfold," she said. "The people of the Commonwealth have a right to be heard and we will exercise that right Feb. 27"
School buses will transport people from Orange County to the rally location in Richmond. According to Gues, the buses have been borrowed with permission from Orange County Public Schools and all gas money is being paid for by the drivers. She said as of last week, 30 people had signed up to ride the buses and many more had made plans to drive down separately.
"Lots of people are interested but [some] are hesitant," she said. "People are not getting how this will affect the county or state."
In order to rally on the Capital Square Grounds, a permit is required, which organizers obtained. They can demonstrate Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Gues said people will be meeting at the high school Friday to make signs for the rally.
Dr. Grimesey said he will be attending the rally.
"I'm encouraged that so many of our employees, parents and students are so concerned [about the budget cuts] that they will take their Saturday to travel to Richmond to [have their voices heard]," he said. "It does my heart well and speaks highly of the folks who serve children in Orange County."
He said whether or not the rally will change the minds of the legislators is unknown but is a worthwhile effort regardless.
"Anytime you take the time to demonstrate support for children matters," he said. "Whether or not [its] a lost cause, our children remain a good cause and I can't think of a better place to be at 11 a.m. on Saturday than demonstrating support for children in Richmond."
Jones said she believes the rally will make a difference.
"Will the Governor change his mind about the proposed budget cuts? Probably not," she said. "Should that deter our efforts? Absolutely not! This rally is about the loss of jobs; the quality of education for our children; a change in our quality of life and, it is about our future! In Orange County it is estimated that 81.5 positions will be eliminated from our schools. This number does not include the loss of jobs in other areas of the county. The proposed budget cuts will impact every fiber of Orange County. [They] should not and cannot be ignored."
Buses will leave Orange County High School Saturday at 8 a.m. for the rally. They are expected to return at 3 p.m. The rally itself will be held 11 a.m. to noon on the Capitol Square Grounds in Richmond. According to Gues, the Virginia Educational Association President will speak at the rally and 17th District Senator Edd Houck has been invited. To learn more about the rally or become involved, visit http://ocea.bruniserv.org/
"We can no longer sit back and do nothing, we have to let our voices be heard," Gues said.