News: Petition Protesting the Freeze of $34 Million Owed to Loudoun In Education Funds

From VivaLoudoun editor Dan Sousa: Loudoun supports the rest of the state in our "good times" with an unequal educational funding formula and now when the economy has hit here hard, Richmond would like to suspend the rules for a year, thus costing Loudoun some $34 million in funds owed. For high school sports fans, if that money does not arrive from Richmond, expect some deep cuts in education funding which will certainly impact athletics.

To sign this petition, go to this link:

To: Office of the Governor, Patrick Henry Building, 3rd Floor 1111 East Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23219

Dear Honorable Governor McDonnell: This is in reference to FY11 fiscal budget proposal that the Local Composite Index (LCI) biennial adjustment be frozen for the 2011 fiscal year budget. This year the LCI adjustment, if not frozen, would help Loudoun County at a time when we have the largest growing student population in the Commonwealth. Loudoun School’s will see an increased enrollment of 3,351 students. Yet, if the LCI is frozen then Virginia Beach becomes the top recipient by getting an additional $14,803,612 at a time when their school system will see a reduction of 524 students. Northern Virginians collectively will lose $122,400,000 in state funding, while adding 10,263 new students. At the same time, school divisions benefiting under the proposed freeze will receive an additional $114,000,000 while collectively educating a projected 2,300 fewer students. This arbitrary freeze will mean a loss to Loudoun County of $34,356,421!

Could you please kindly look into this matter and help the 300,000 residents of the Loudoun County? Thank you so much for your time and consideration.