Doland reflects on more than 30 years in education
COMMENTARY
By Tom Doland OUTGOING SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER

Doland

I would like to thank the students, parents and educators that I've had the privilege to get to know over the 36 years I have worked in Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS). I feel fortunate to have experienced education at the grassroots level as a school psychologist, as an administrator, and finally as a school board member.

If public education looks substantially different than it did three decades ago, it shouldn't come as a surprise. Schools are a reflection of the society in which we live. School safety has always been a concern, but has moved from the back to the front burner. CCPS has been a leader in crisis management for years and works collaboratively with other agencies to provide a safe learning environment for all students and staff. We hope for the best and prepare for scenarios that years ago we would never have believed could possibly happen. Columbine and the tragedy at Virginia Tech bring the issue of school safety home to all of us. Yet in all of my years in CCPS, there has not been one homicide or suicide on school grounds, but we have responded to many student suicides, fatal automobile accidents and deaths due to drunk driving or a drug overdose. The fact is schools remain a well-supervised and relatively safe environment for school children.

Chesterfield remains one of the fastest growing communities within the state. The county has a good reputation, and obviously is a top choice for parents with school-age children. So why don't we build more schools to relieve overcrowding and plan for the new students coming? The answer is insufficient funding. Give the school system more money for the Capital Improvement Plan, and it will be done. Also, CCPS is seventh from the bottom of the state for public schools in Virginia in per pupil expenditure. We have low business tax revenues and have approved thousands of residential lots for new homes with no proffer money for schools, roads or the necessary infrastructure to support a growing community. Perhaps the old saying is true: you get what you pay for.

CCPS is one of the largest employers in the area and by and large has had a top quality workforce. Many of our educators have spent many years here in Chesterfield, and we will soon have to replace a high percentage of our leadership in the teacher and administrative ranks. Without a doubt there will be some tough shoes to fill, with some gaps and shortages in some critical areas. Competitive salaries for all employees must continue to be a top priority in order to attract and keep an excellent workforce.

When all is said and done, Chesterfield is a great place to live and to get an excellent education. Parents, stay involved in your child's education, they need your support. To all of you that I've gotten to know, thanks for the memories. Have a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.