Bob Hull's Richmond Report

Where’s Bob?

Yesterday, the General Assembly of Virginia, which first met in 1619, convened in the Capitol building, designed by Thomas Jefferson. It is my thirteenth session of the House of Delegates. As in my 12 previous annual sessions, it began promptly at 12:00 noon.

But, unlike all of the other sessions, I was not in my seat when it began. I was granted an “excused absence” for “pressing, personal business.” Back Home

Instead of being in Richmond, I was up here in my 38th district at one of the great high schools in Fairfax County. I joined hundreds of students, teachers, administrators, and parents at J.E.B. Stuart High School as we welcomed the President of the United States.

Even though I am a Democrat and he is a Republican, and I have never voted for him, it was an honor to meet the President. Quality Counts

While I disagree with George W. Bush on most things, he and I do agree that every child deserves a quality education. So, he and I were drawn to a public school that has proven that its students do receive the highest quality and care. But, do not take my word for the quality of instruction at J.E.B. Stuart High. The National Association of Secondary School Principals thinks that, too.

They named it one of 12 “Breakthrough High Schools” in the United States because of its “demonstrated significant student achievement” in a high minority, high poverty student population. Best in the World

Some in the President’s Republican Party do not believe in public schools. They think that they are all bad and that the government should not operate them.

Those people are wrong. I firmly believe that the United States has the best system of public education in the world. No other country in history has educated so many people with diverse backgrounds than the United States of America. He Wants the Best, Too

Oh, public schools have their problems and some are said to do a very bad job. But, I do not know where these bad schools are located because I have not seen any.

I do not think that President Bush feels that all public schools are bad, either. His wife was a school teacher and librarian, and I am sure that she has influenced him.

I also know that as governor of Texas, he worked hard to improve the schools in his state. And, his “No Child Left Behind” law was an attempt to measure the progress of every school child. Unfunded Mandates

But, while the bill has many good parts, it is the largest intrusion of the federal government into public education, which is a state and local responsibility.

The law has also had the effect of mandating that each state pay the costs of new tests and a variety of other things for which they are spending a fortune.

There was supposed to be federal funding for these things. But, alas, those funds have dried up. Yet, the responsibilities have not. The Cost of Quality

Amid this roiling sea, however, schools like J.E.B. Stuart High School continue to provide quality instruction. It is a tribute to the Stuart teachers and staff, and I am pleased that it is in my district. Their experience can help others across the country better utilize their own resources.

I think that was the President’s message yesterday. I just hope that he can find more money because that is a resource that has no replacement.

Or, as the slogan from the old Fram oil filter commercial said: “Pay me now of pay me later.” We need to invest to insure the best. Delegate Bob Hull may be emailed at del_hull@house.state.va.us