As Sears Backs Trump's Attacks on Education Funding, Virginia Parent Highlights Importance of Investing in Public Schools

Winsome Earle-Sears has a long record of supporting legislation that would cut funding from Virginia’s public school
 
Earlier this year, the Youngkin-Sears Administration attempted to slash funding to support Virginia students

VIRGINIA - As Winsome Earle-Sears has backed Donald Trump’s attacks on education funding that will gut programs that support Virginia’s rural schools, Head Start, and students with disabilities, in an interview with 8 News, Henrico County parent Monica Hutchinson highlights the importance of investing in public schools. Hutchinson’s son with autism was able to get the support he needed to thrive and graduate because of additional support staff. 
 
Earlier this year, the Youngkin-Sears Administration attempted to slash funding for school support staff. When asked about Trump’s reckless agenda, Sears said “I’m supporting what the President is doing.” Sears has a long record of supporting legislation that would cut funding from Virginia’s public schools and has repeatedly tried to defund public education.  She also supports using taxpayer dollars for private schools.
 
8 News, Richmond: ‘You guys play such a big role in these kids’ lives’: Mother applauds new funding for school support staff in Virginia

• Henrico County mother Monica Hutchinson was moved to tears when asked about the day her son, DJ, graduated from Hermitage High School.
• However, she said her tears weren’t always happy ones.
• “He was made to feel like he was different, or other, or less than,” Hutchinson said.
• That’s because, she said, when DJ - who has autism - was growing up, he struggled to get the help he needed in school.
• However, Hutchinson said that all changed when she moved her family from Southwest Virginia to Henrico County.
• “He can absolutely do the work, he just needs somebody to believe in him,” Hutchinson told 8News.
• Hutchinson said it was there, in Henrico County, where school support staff such as custodians and teachers’ aides invested in her son.
• It’s that experience that led Hutchinson to advocate for additional funding for school support staff.
• According to Hutchinson, the additional investment means students like DJ are set up for future success.