I received the following from a supporter of Sally Baird, the Democratic Party's endorsed candidate for school board in Arlington. I thought it was worth passing along. Let me just add that I believe we have two fine candidates this year running for Arlington school board, but only one - Sally Baird - is endorsed by the Democratic Party.
Sally Baird is an 18-year resident of Arlington and a mother of 2 young children who are enrolled in Arlington Public Schools. Like Tim Kaine, Sally believes that early childhood education is the foundation of success for a lifetime of learning and the most important investment our community can make. High quality preschool education:1) Helps close the achievement gap
2) Is cost-effective, reducing the need for remediation for older students, and
3) Ensures that children entering higher grades come ready to learn.
Ninety-five percent of brain development happens before kindergarten age. If we are not taking advantage of this we are losing a significant opportunity, particularly for at-risk children. If we can get kids started out on the right track, they are more likely to stay there. Tim Kaine knows this, and so does Sally.As an Arlington School Board member, Sally also wants to:
1) Ensure Arlington hires and retains the very best teachers.
2) Support our teachers with the necessary resources and policies to provide the very best learning environment, and
3) Evaluate our studentsGÇÖ progress not just by SOL scores, but by ArlingtonGÇÖs own high standards for achievement.I had a great conversation with Sally back in the spring before the School Board Democratic caucus. I found her to be passionate and smart about our schools. She brings both the experience and the passion we need to keep Arlington's schools the best in the nation. She worked for five years on the School BoardGÇÖs Early Childhood School Advisory Committee and the last 2 at her schoolGÇÖs parent-teacher organization. Her passion is second to none, and thatGÇÖs why I voted for her back in May and will vote for her tomorrow.
ItGÇÖs that passion and drive that led the Arlington Democrats and Arlington Teachers to endorse Sally Baird for School Board.
Sally Baird will bring Democratic Values, Passion, and Experience to the Arlington School Board and that is why I join thousands of fellow Arlingtonians in voting for Sally Baird and I ask you to do the same.