Local Alliance for Urban and Rural Advancement LAURA PAC

08/03/2020

https://bluevirginia.us/2020/08/laura-pac-finds-58-7-of-virginia-jurisdictions-reopening-schools-under-hybrid-model-18-1-not-clear-tbd-9-0-all-remote

The following analysis is from LAURA PAC ("Local Alliance for Urban & Rural Advancement"); compare/contrast to this analysis by Timothy Hickey, a public school teacher for 17 years who now works f

08/03/2020

For Immediate Release:

August 3, 2020, Virginia. LAURA PAC has focused on the effects of the greatest policy issue and crisis of our time, the Covid-19 pandemic and all of its effects, since we promoted suggestions for election safety and participation before the March Presidential Primary election.

As we move into August, the next big questions are, "How will schools open? Will it be virtual? In person? Mixed schedules? Will I have a choice for my kids? Will it be safe?" Our mission is to promote progressives and evidence based progressive policies, from School Board to State Senate,and the issue of school reopening shines a bright light on the importance of elected school boards.

We have compiled, from public sources, a comprehensive list of school reopening plans or lack thereof in all Virginia localities. A few notes: 1. If a locality had several widely divergent plans under consideration, they will be listed as having no plan. 2. If a locality has identified a plan and is moving forward with that plan, we have treated it as the policy in place even if it is not officially settled. 3. All data is from public sources and is accurate as of August 1st, 2020.


We found the localities could be grouped into the following categories: Orange- No Clear Plan 18.05% of localities (24), Red- Hybrid Plan 58.65% of localities (78) (mixed remote and in person schedules or groups of students almost always with an all remote parental option), Purple- All in Person 3.01% of localities (4), Green- All Remote 9.02% of localities (12), Pink- No Data 11.28% of localities (15)

Our map shows that all remote localities are high income and over represented in the DC suburbs. The majority of localities are employing a hybrid plan with choice. It is worth noting that many localities, including counties in Western and South West Virginia, have chosen hybrid plans that are likely to impose significant costs on school systems.

Teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff at schools join parents and students as the most affected stakeholders in these decisions, but these decisions have a tremendous impact on all of us.

LAURA PAC is talking to all of its members and stakeholders and welcomes any public comment on school reopening policy in Virginia. Comment or message us on any of our platforms or send us an email at [email protected].

05/21/2020

Bill Semple has defeated incumbent Alec Burnett for the Warrenton Ward 2 town council seat during municipal elections held Tuesday, according to unofficial election results from the Virginia Department of

04/20/2020

LAURA PAC is proud to endorse Luke Priddy for Roanoke City and has released the following statement:

"We believe that Mr. Priddy has already created positive change within the community of Roanoke City: he has advocated for November Municipal elections, establishing a Human Rights Commission position, and moving from an appointed school board to an elected school board. These are progressive changes. During these challenging times, local leadership is critical and local leaders must be able to work with Richmond. As Councilman, his background in the General Assembly will lend itself to a positive dynamic in achieving even more tangible results for Roanoke. We hope to see him secure the nomination at the Virtual Convention on Saturday, May 2nd."

Please go check out and like his page, and think about supporting Mr. Priddy further.

https://www.laurapac.com/2020candidates/luke-priddy-for-roanoke-city-council

03/31/2020

Please stay safe during this Pandemic folks.

Stay tuned for the local races we plan to back this year.

01/16/2020

After decades of hard work, Virginia has finally passed the ERA out of both chambers, and it is on its way to the Governor's desk! We're going to be the 38th State to ratify the !

12/16/2019

Governor Ralph Northam, 73rd Governor of Virginia

12/13/2019

Congratulations to Delegate-elect Nancy Guy (D)...whose margin of victory over Del. Chris Stolle (R-HD83) actually increased slightly after the recount. Good luck in the House of Delegates!D

12/08/2019

12/04/2019

Gone but never forgotten.

David led the community with his time served on The Plains Town Council and as a former chair of the Fauquier Dems Committee. It was an honor to know such an interesting and accomplished man.

We will be saying goodbye to David Saturday afternoon.

David Roos, a member of town council in The Plains since 2012, died Nov. 23. He was 63 years old.