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News Archives

VEA members and officers are frequently quoted in the news media. Here you'll find a sampling of the latest appearances. (Note: media outlets change their links frequently, so we apologize for any expired links you may find.)

2010

"State Considers Tying Teacher Pay to Student Testing." CBS-19, 7-24-2010. Article on state panel exploring performance-based pay quotes Rebecca Jasman of the Louisa County Education Association.

"School funding has experienced deep cuts." Richmond Times-Dispatch, 5-19-10. VEA President Kitty Boitnott sets the record straight on state funding for schools in her Letter to the Editor.

"Stafford school board mulls furlough policy." Free Lance-Star, 5-17-20. Jannette Martin, president of the Stafford Education Association, defends employee interests in this story on a proposed furlough policy.

"School board blasts budget plan." Virginian-Pilot, 5-5-10. Dominic Melito, president of the Virginia Beach Education Association, speaks against a city council plan to appropriate $8.8 million in school division reserves.

"Chesterfield teachers' new evaluation to begin this fall." Richmond Times-Dispatch, 5-3-10. Chesterfield Education Association President Frank Cardella comments on new evaluation system. "Asking employees to set goals for themselves and their students is a positive step," he said.

"Stafford approves step plan of raises." Free Lance-Star, 4-27-10. School board agrees to Stafford Education Association request to give pay step increases. "Certainly, we're relieved that they finally made a decision," said Jannette Martin, SEA president. "And I think it's the right decision."

"McDonnell gets different response from teachers this time." Virginian-Pilot, 4-25-10. Discusses Gov. Bob McDonnell's appearance at the VEA annual convention.

"Education group wins organizing award for Richmond rally." Daily Progress, 4-23-10. Highlights organizing award won by Orange County Education Association.

"School backers urge funding." Free Lance-Star, 4-22-10. Kathy Heil of the King George Education Association is quoted in this account of budget discussions.

"McDonnell: Current public workers shouldn't pay toward retirement."  Roanoke Times, 4-14-10. VEA lobbying pays off as Gov. McDonnell concurs with the Association that current employees should be protected. Quote from Kitty Boitnott, VEA president: "Like state employees, many school board employees have not seen raises in years. We asked that the governor endeavor to treat school board employees in an equitable manner in this regard."

"Chesterfield teachers to end work-to-contract action." Richmond Times-Dispatch, 4-1-10. Frank Cardella, president of the Chesterfield Education Association, explains why teachers decided to work to the rule, and what they gained as a result.

"General Assembly shifts focus to local taxing bodies." Delmarva Times, 3-31-10. In an op-ed, VEA President Kitty Boitnott explains how the battle for school funding has shifted to the local level.

"VEA opposes requiring local employees to begin paying share of pension costs." Richmond Times-Dispatch, 3-29-10. Summarizes VEA's advocacy for local school employees facing up to 5-percent cut in pay.

"Teachers call for increased funding." Waynesboro News Virginian, 3-25-10. Story on local budget cuts quotes co-presidents of the Augusta County Education Association, Laura Jones and Mary Thomas.

"Educators decry cuts in school funding." Loudoun Times, 3-24-10. Sandy Sullivan, president of the Loudoun Education Association, comments on budget fallout: "This would force additional cuts onto Loudoun County Public Schools, which already faces larger class sizes at every grade level. All of this sounds like a bad dream."

"Augusta County schools cut budget 10 percent." News Leader, 3-24-10. In cutting the school budget $10 million, the school board is weighing having employees pay more for health insurance and retirement. Laura Jones, co-president of the Augusta County Education Association, is quoted.

"BOS holds hearing on tax hike." Southwest Times, 3-23-10. Excerpt: Angela Clevinger, vice president of the Pulaski County Education Association, said she supports the six-cent increase because "the students who depend on our schools need the best schools possible - they deserve nothing less. …Great public schools are not only what's best for our children, but what's good for business."

"Teachers want apology from Suffolk vice mayor." WVEC-13, 3-24-2010. Text and video of story detailing how Suffolk teachers were defended after being called "dogs." Ethel Williams, president of the Education Association of Suffolk, is quoted.

"Tax increase finds favor among educators." Roanoke Times, 3-21-10. Kelly Miller, co-president of the Roanoke Education Association, is quoted in this account of a rally. REA is backing a two percent meals tax increase to stave off the worst cuts to school budgets.

"Education leaders fear cuts beyond 2010." WNBC-12 (video), 3-16-10. VEA President Kitty Boitnott on the budget's lasting impact on schools. Excerpt: "From the bottom of my heart, I believe that Virginia this year has taken a huge step backward."

"Supervisors vote against raises for school employees." Loudoun Times, 3-16-10. Loudoun Education Association President Sandy Sullivan comments on vote denying school employees a COLA.

"Schools wait for impact on next year's funding." Northern Virginia Daily, 3-16-10. Clarke County Education Association President Andy Kiser and Frederick County Education Association President Alison MacArthur are quoted in this account of local budget troubles.

'We're not gonna take it.' Capital News Service, VCU School of Mass Communications. Great story and slideshow coverage of the Orange County Education Association rally that drew 500 to Capitol Square in Richmond.

"Teachers unite to ask for county's help." Bedford Bulletin, 2-25-10. Shannon Turner, president of the Pulaski County Education Association, ask for support for schools at a packed hearing of the Board of Supervisors.

"Step raises sought in Stafford." Free Lance-Star, 2-24-10. Stafford Education Association President Jannette Martin is quoted in this account of the school division's budget discussions.

"School supporters plead with Mathews supervisors for funding." Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal, 2-24-10. Mathews Education Association president Amy Bohannon-Stewart fights for school funding, telling supervisors, "If you can afford to repair Main Street, you can afford to educate our children."

"Virginia Education Association details how school cuts will hit Hampton, Newport News and every city and county." Daily Press online, 2-18-10. Cites VEA's research on how huge state budget cuts will hamstring localities.

"Public weighs in on superintendent search." Waynesboro News Virginian, 2-19-10. Augusta County Education Association takes the initiative in advising board on superintendent search.

"Va. education officials decry K-12 budget cuts." Associated Press, 2-17-10. Excerpt: The cuts are expected to harm every school division and devastate poorer ones in areas such as Petersburg, Lee County and Portsmouth, because those localities are more dependent on state funds to operate their schools, and have limited ability to make up the lost revenue. "If you have no tax base, or no local wealth, you have no way to make up for what the state's not sending," said Robley Jones, the Virginia Education Association's chief lobbyist.

"School budgets to be 'sucker punched.'" WAVY-TV, 2-15-10. Excerpt: "Our children are being robbed of their future by these draconian cuts," Kitty Boitnott said. "These cuts will damage the quality of our children's education, not just for now but for years to come." The Virginal Beach Division of schools is in store for nearly $57 million in additional cuts, which will devastate the division.

"Amherst school board to select budget priorities amid shortfall." News & Advance, 2-12-10. Excerpt: The Amherst Education Association, which represents teachers, has adopted a resolution listing budget priorities, which was sent to school board members and administrators, said the president, Sarah Thomas, a Monelison Middle School teacher. The priorities include: Budget cuts that have the least impact on students and all personnel who work with them; Keeping current employees' jobs a priority over the funding of any other budget category or item; Support of strategies that protect employees who are within three years of retirement, and keeping benefits at current levels for all employees; That budget cuts be temporary.

Several media outlets reported on VEA's reaction to Gov. Bob McDonnell's proposal to increase the number of charter and specialized schools in the Commonwealth. Said VEA President Kitty Boitnott to the Richmond Times-Dispatch: "We believe the constitution's very clear that the local school board has the ultimate authority." Among the VEA citations:

• "Va school groups buck governor on charter schools." Richmond Times-Dispatch, 2-12-10.
• "McDonnell's plan changes process for charter schools." Richmond Times-Dispatch, 2-11-10.
• "Virginia Governor wants more charter schools in state." Washington Post, 2-11-10.
• "McDonnell plan invests deeply in charter schools." Associated Press, 2-11-10.
• "Plan gives state more say in charter schools." Virginian-Pilot, 2-11-10. 

"School budget woes: Mathews schools could lose 35 positions." Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal, 2-11-10. Excerpt: Amy Bohannon-Stewart, an eighth grade science teacher at Thomas Hunter Middle School and president of the Mathews Education Association, spoke on the important job that teacher assistants do. She said they are crucial in giving students one-on-one attention, especially in reading groups. When they are pulled away from their duties to serve as substitute teachers, their jobs are not done. If that continues, she said, reading scores will drop.

"Budget woes mean pain for Virginians." Virginian-Pilot, 2-7-10. Editorial cites VEA research in explaining the depth of the state's fiscal crisis. Excerpt: Schools will field fewer athletic teams. Textbooks won't be replaced or updated. Field trips will be canceled. The cuts will fall most heavily on poorer school divisions most dependent on state support. Preschool programs, remedial classes and after-school tutoring will be scaled back for children who need them most.

"Montgomery County school board OKs $90.86 million budget." Roanoke Times, 2-6-10. Excerpt: Some school employee praised the budget plan, saying they were pleased that the first targeted cuts were in supplies, rather than people. "While it isn't fun, you can teach without many of the things in our classroom," said Erin Bull, president of the Montgomery County Education Association.... The job can't be done without teachers, she said.

"A budget that eliminates thousands of jobs." Lynchburg News & Advance, 2-8-10. Story on state budget highlights VEA research on numbers of education jobs at risk.

"23,000 VA school jobs dangling from state budget scissors." Public News Service, 1-29-10. Radio story. Excerpt: Dr. Kitty Boitnott, president of the Virginia Education Association (VEA), Virginia's largest union representing teachers, says the job cuts will be a disaster for not only those who stand to lose employment, but for the students, as well. She says the end result would be larger class sizes, and fewer educational programs and services for kids.

"Teachers association predicts 'disaster' under proposed Va. budget." Richmond Times-Dispatch, 1-29-10. Quotes the article: Virginia Education Association officials estimated that state public schools could shed as many as 23,000 jobs under the proposed two-year budget. And with that, the quality of instruction "will unquestionably plummet," VEA President Kitty Boitnott said.

"General Assembly braces for a new era." Roanoke Times, 1-12-10. Preview of legislative session includes comments from VEA President Kitty Boitnott. "We think we're looking at some pretty draconian measures and we're bracing ourselves for a really tough session," said Kitty Boitnott, the president of the Virginia Education Association. Boitnott said Kaine's budget would lead to larger class sizes, reductions to programs and layoffs of teachers and support staff. The damage will be greater if lawmakers make even deeper cuts, she said.

"Advocates urge lawmakers to spare causes from cuts." Richmond Times-Dispatch, 1-12-10. Coverage of budget hearings includes comments from VEA President Kitty Boitnott. Kitty Boitnott, president of the Virginia Education Association, said cutting public school support staff members, such as testing specialists, is risky, even though such employees may not work directly with students. "While it may be politically popular to say that reductions in educational support staff don't touch the lives of children in the classroom, that's not accurate," said Boitnott, adding that "our schools are feeling economic distress," despite a burst of federal aid under the Obama administration's economic-stimulus plan.

"State legislators brace for 'brutal' budget-balancing."   Richmond Times-Dispatch, 1-9-10. One piece of evidence on the budget challenges: "The Virginia Education Association estimates that more than 14,000 public school jobs are already in jeopardy, and an additional 8,500 could be lost if public education takes an additional cut proportional to its share of a $1 billion decrease."

2009

"Saxman: McDonnell steadfast on education." News Virginian, 12-30-09. VEA President Kitty Boitnott quoted on the role of charter schools in Virginia.

"Stacks of education goals but not of cash."   Washington Post, 10-4-09. Highlights VEA's work building awareness of the state's funding challenges. Quotes Jim Livingston, Prince William Education Association.

"Teachers, library advocates lead first budget input session." Ashburn Today, 12-9-09. Sandy Sullivan, president of the Loudoun Education Association, speaks out at budget session. The report states: Teachers, many wearing red stickers reading "Invest in those who invest in Loudoun's children," pointed to a recent report by the school system's finance department showing Loudoun has fallen behind most other Northern Virginia jurisdictions in the areas of teacher compensation and per-pupil spending. "Next to last is not the place I want to be," Loudoun Education Association President Sandy Sullivan said.

"What should go into a teaching degree?"  National Public Radio, 9-30-09. SVEA member Meghan Williams, a student at Virginia Commonwealth University, is quoted in this national story about teacher preparation. (Text story and audio file.)

"Schools: student viewing of Obama speech optional."   Lynchburg News & Advance, 9-3-09. VEA President Kitty Boitnott explains: “It is my understanding that President Obama would like to address the children of America for the purpose of encouraging them to do their best, work hard and value education, and to make this the best possible year."

"Campaign notebook: VEA derides McDonnell's plan to raise salaries."   Roanoke Times , 9-2-09. Election report notes VEA's opposition to sleight-of-hand school funding.

"Protestors say no to cuts in Virginia education spending."  WVEC-TV, 8-19-09. News story and video report on VEA's Caps Hurt Kids rally at the Capitol.

"Aim school money at state classrooms." Virginian-Pilot, 8-10-09. Editorial weighs the issue of school support staff funding cap.

"Local schools need state funding." Richmond Times-Dispatch, 8-8-09. VEA President Kitty Boitnott is the RT-D's "Correspondent of the Day" with her letter explaining how budget caps hurt kids.

"Charter schools aren't the solution for Virginia." Washington Post, 7-12-09. VEA President Kitty Boitnott on why charter schools are "a solution in search of a problem."

"Not your typical CEA president." Chesterfield Observer, 7-8-09. Profile of Frank Cardella, incoming president of the Chesterfield Education Association.

"Mission accomplished."  Chesterfield Observer, 7-8-09. Interview with Lois Stanton, outgoing president of the Chesterfield Education Association.

"Kitty Boitnott on 21st-century learning skills." School Library Journal, 6-8-09. In an interview, VEA President Kitty Boitnott discusses national certification, challenges to public schools, and other topics.

"Alternative tesing on the rise." Washington Post, 6-8-09. Fairfax Education Association President Leonard Bumbaca is quoted in this account of the growing use of portfolio assessment for special education and LEP students.

"Raises are given to 10 city school administrators." Roanoke Times, 6-4-09. Kelly Miller, co-president of the Roanoke Education Association, weighs in on salary increases for administrators.

"Defending Ting-Yi Oei."  Loudoun Independent, 4-3-09. Loudoun Education Association member Ting-Yi Oei was wrongly accused in a story that drew media coverage across the globe. In this video interview, Defense Attorney Steven Stone sets the record straight. See also "My Students. My Cellphone. My Ordeal."  and "A Nightmare in Loudoun."

"School Board Passes Budget Calling for Larger Classes."  Washington Post, 5-22-09. Fairfax Education Association President Leonard Bumbaca is quoted in this account of the school system budget.

"Beach School Cell Phone Plan Draws Mixed Views." Norfolk Virginian Pilot, 5-20-09. Dominic Melito, president of the Virginia Beach Education Association, is quoted in this article about student use of mobile phones.

"Prince William Education Association presented Membership Growth Award."  Inside NoVA, 5-8-09. Coverage of the PWEA's representation at the VEA Delegate Assembly includes quote from PWEA President Bonnie Klakowicz.

"Stimulus Would Restore Millions in Cuts to Beach Schools." Virginian-Pilot, 5-6-09. Virginia Beach Education Association President Dominic Melito is quoted in this account of school board's revised budget.

"Citizens Plead for School Funds." Tidewater News, 5-2-09. Stephanie Bailey, president of the Isle of Wight Education Association, is quoted in this account of a board of supervisors hearing.

"Teachers Offer Lessons in Race for Governor." Washington Post, 4-30-09. Several VEA members grade the gubernatorial candidates appearing at the VEA's convention.

"A Nightmare in Loudoun." Washington Post, 4-30-09. Editorial asks: Why was a respected educator subjected to baseless child pornography charges? Editorial refers to case described below in "My Students. My Cell Phone. My Ordeal."

"No Child Left Behind Issues in Metro Richmond."  WWBT, 4-27-09. Chesterfield Education Association President Lois Stanton offers perspective on the impact of NCLB on public schools. "You have teachers working so hard to address the No Child Left Behind issues that there is no time left to do some of the things we need to do when we are educating children," she says.

What the media are reporting about VEA's annual convention in Hampton, April 23-25, 2009:

• "Va. Democrats: Dems Debate in Hampton."   Daily Press, 4-23-09.
• "Gubernatorial Candidate Forum Hosted by Virginia Education Association."  (Photo Gallery.) Daily Press, 4-23-09.
• "In Second Debate, Candidates Vow More Education Spending." Virginian-Pilot, 4-23-09.
• "Candidates Promise Va. Teachers Pay Raise." Richmond Times-Dispatch, 4-23-09.
• "Candidates Agree on Preschool Funding."   Washington Post, 4-23-09.
• "$50K: Va. Governor Hopefuls Promise Better Teacher Pay." Associated Press, 4-23-09.
• "Gov Debate Takes on Teacher Pay." WAVY-TV, 4-23-09.
• "All Four Gubernatorial Candidates Address Teachers' Union ." Public News Service, 4-24-09. (Radio story.)
• "Candidates Go to the Head of the Class at VEA Gubernatorial Forum."   Culpeper Star-Exponent, 4-29-09.

"Schools and Local Governments Differ on Stimulus." Richmond Times-Dispatch, 4-20-08. Are federal economic stimulus dollars being used as intended? VEA weighs in.

"My Students. My Cellphone. My Ordeal." Washington Post, 4-19-09. Ting-Yi Oei, a vice-principal and member of the Loudoun Education Association, writes about how he was falsely accused of inappropriately possessing a photo on his cell phone.

"VCU SVEA Chapter Volunteers at Inner City School."  Commonwealth Times, 4-13-09. Terrific account of Student VEA project to enhance Richmond's J.L. Francis Elementary School.

"Schools' 'Money Is Falling Off the Truck.'" Washington Post, 4-13-09. Are federal stimulus dollars making it to schools as intended? VEA argues that "money is falling off the truck" between Washington and local school divisions.

"Merit Pay Sounds Good, Won't Work." Richmond Times-Dispatch, 4-5-09. Hanover Education Association member Jamie Beasley weighs in on why merit-pay proposals will fall short.

"Residents Make Case for Services." Charlottesville Daily Progress , 4-2-09. Steven Gissendanner, president of the Albemarle Education Association, makes the case for a contingency fund to protect essential programs.

"Hampton May Allow Middle Schoolers to Carry Cell Phones." Newport News Daily Press , 4-1-09. Should middle school students be allowed to carry cell phones to school? Hampton Education Association Vice President LaVonne Hoffman says no.

"Superintendent's Budget Does Focus on Children." Arlington Sun Gazette, 3-30-09. Arlington Education Association President Shelley Jennings gives thumbs-up to superintendent for honoring step increases.

"Stafford Schools Approve Budget." Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, 3-25-09. Stafford Education Association President Jannette Martin gives her take on the school budget. "We cannot let salaries in Stafford continue to stagnate."

"School Board to Discuss RIF Policy." Culpeper Star-Exponent, 3-23-09. Culpeper County Education Association President Joyce Tyree defends member rights as school board considers changes to RIF policy.

"Prince William Schools Pass Budget."   Inside NoVA, 3-20-09. Prince William Education Association President Bonnie Klakowicz is quoted regarding cuts to employee benefits in the budget.

"Stimulus Law Gives Manassas Schools $2.1 Million." Washington Post, 3-19-0. Manassas Education Association President Janice Mernin is quoted in this update on the Manassas school budget.

"Teacher Layoff Threat Grows." Roanoke Times, 3-19-09. Update on Roanoke budget includes comments from Kelly Miller, co-president of the Roanoke Education Association. "They're nervous because there's no place for them to go. Nobody's hiring,"

"Schools Eye Pay Freeze, Board Members Voice Opposition."   Wytheville Southwest Virginia Enterprise , 3-18-09. Kim Aker, co-president of the Wythe County Education Association, spoke against a proposal to delay a long-awaited step increase for teachers.

"John Reynolds Meets the Cat in the Hat."  Rockbridge Weekly . Mentions Julie Morris and Read Across America activities in Rockbridge.

"Chesterfield School Budget Restores 427 jobs."  Richmond Times-Dispatch, 3-4-09. Budget update includes comments from Chesterfield Education Association President Lois Stanton.

"Cuts Still Expected Despite Stimulus."   WHSV ABC 3, 3-4-09. Virginia Healy, president of the Harrisonburg Education Association, fights for clearer RIF policy.

"School Workers Lose Raises."  Roanoke Times, 3-4-09. Budget story quotes Leanne Worley, president of the Franklin County Education Association.

"No Raises for Harrisonburg Teachers." Harrisonburg Daily News-Record , 2-18-2009. Harrisonburg Education Association President Virginia Healy is quoted in this article on pay and RIF policies.

"Major Cuts Proposed to Va. Beach School Programs."   Norfolk Virginian-Pilot, 2-5-09. The pay of Virginia Beach teachers would be frozen according to a plan presented to the school board. VBEA President Dominic Melito is quoted.

"670 Employees Could Pick State Plan." Richmond Times-Dispatch, 2-5-09. Article on early retirement proposal includes quote from Chesterfield Education Association President Lois Stanton.

"No Simple Solutions for Stafford Schools." Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, 1-29-09. Stafford Education Association President Jannette Martin updates the community on the impact of budget cuts.

"School Board Approves Budget Plan That Freezes Teacher Pay." Washington Post, 1-28-09. Describes planned budget cuts in Loudoun and quotes Loudoun Education Association President Sandy Sullivan.

"Schools Looking at Less Money." Bland County Messenger, 1-28-09. Report on Bland County budget deliberations includes remarks from Tiffany Carter of the Bland County Education Association.

"Teachers Fear Education Cuts Will Do Lasting Damage."   Public News Service, created 1-22-09. Radio story carried statewide shows how VEA is fighting against permanent school budget cuts. View print version or listen to audio file.

"Democrats Oppose Cuts to Education." Northern Virginia Daily, 1-22-09. Summarizes opposition to Gov. Tim Kaine's proposal for permanent school funding cuts and notes VEA's efforts on the issue.

"Richmond Schools Face Cuts." Richmond Times-Dispatch, 1-22-09. Report on Richmond budget cut plan includes comments from Richmond Education Association President Wade Ellegood.

"Roanoke Evaluates Teacher Pay Scale."  Roanoke Times, 1-15-09. Roanoke school board is considering altering its employee salary scale to include performance-based pay. Quoted are Roanoke Education Association Co-Presidents Latasha Suggs and Kelly Miller.

"Proposed School Cuts Draw Mixed Response." Washington Post, 1-11-09. Loudoun Education Association President Sandy Sullivan comments on superintendent's proposed budget cuts. "The more kids you get in the classroom, the less individualized attention you can give those students."

"Area Schools Begin Slashing Their Budgets."  Roanoke Times, 1-10-09. Thom Ryder, president of the Roanoke County Education Association, is quoted in this report on budget cuts.

"Advocates Make Case at Public Hearing on State Budget." Lynchburg News & Advance, 1-9-09. Report on regional state budget hearings includes comments from Sarah Thomas, president of the Amherst Education Association.

"Bedford County School Board Considers Eliminating 80 Positions."  Lynchburg News & Advance, 1-9-09. Details possible budget cuts in Bedford County; includes comments from Bedford County Education Association President Cheryl Sprouse.