Dear Members of the Board of Education:

I am a Virginia resident and a strong supporter of our public schools.  I appreciate the Board's efforts to make graduation rates a priority for Virginia high schools, but given the importance of producing graduates ready for college, work, and life, I'm writing to ask that you take a stronger stand. 

I am a parent - infant educator working with The Arc of the Piedmont. The parents I work with often do not have a high school diploma and it prevents them from finding employment, suitable housing and in promoting school to their children. 

• Please increase the graduation rates of all students and decrease the drop out rates. Schools need to become more flexible in meeting the needs of their various students. Develop life long learners despite what students choose to do after high school. 
• Please increase the target for the graduation index to at least 90 points, OR adjust the graduation and completion index so that it gives schools more points for Standard and Advanced Diplomas and fewer points for all alternative diplomas and other credentials. 

Virginia’s students need to receive appropriate supports to reach their potentials, and schools and the Commonwealth as a whole will benefit from incentives to provide the needed supports.

Thank you for your consideration.  I hope you'll do all that you can to increase the number of students who successfully graduate ready to fulfill their greatest potential.

Sincerely,  Melinda Whitehurst