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 and a Scout Leader, and I know that many Virginia Students have special needs, including my son. I ask that you do the following:

• 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. I feel lucky the my son is in a school that supports students with learning disabilities in their goals for advanced diplomas and a college education, but not all schools are motivated to do this.

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,  

G. Lynn Wingard

20488 Ashley Terrace

Sterling, VA 20165