In my day to day work with families living in subsidized housing in Charlottesville, I am often witness to conversations among residents regarding the many challenges they face while trying to provide for the needs of their children.  I am a product of the public school system myself, albeit that of Missouri, and I was shocked when the parents I work with first told me about all of the hidden costs families must contend with in order to send their children to public school here in Virginia.  These parents view education as the only route to a better life for their children; a way to break the generational cycle of poverty.  Please consider revising school fee policies in order to remove barriers to children receiving a well-rounded education and having the freedom to succeed.

Sincerely,

Todd Niemeier

Urban Farm Manager

Quality Community Council, Inc.,