Vicky Manning: Statement Regarding ESL Instruction in VB Schools
The School Board recently discussed the status of the English as a Second Language (ESL) program in VA Beach Schools (VBCPS) along with budget impacts related to the program. During the meeting, administration stated that due to a large increase in the ESL program (over 300 students in one year), we would need to increase funding and also add 8 more teachers. The ESL program budget has increased $1 million in 2 years, a 72% increase. This year, VBCPS has been unable to fill over 100 teaching positions. The problem was highlighted when administration recommended that teachers be required to teach an additional class. Teachers are already overburdened in their workload and are being required to continue to shoulder more and more work and that is unsustainable.
At the board meeting, it was stated that a majority of new ESL students come from Central America (I mistakenly thought administration said South America since their mask muffled their speech). I made a social media post and my political opponents twisted my words into something that I absolutely did not intend. I love all people, no matter where they are from. I come from a family of immigrants who came to this great country fleeing religious persecution, even having to become indentured servants, and my grandmother was Native American. The media and leftist narrative and cancel culture that paints everyone with whom they disagree as racist needs to end.
I believe it is our duty to provide an appropriate education to ALL students who reside in our city and I do fully support our ESL program and our wonderful ESL teachers. There is a teacher shortage and without teachers and proper funding, the current path is unsustainable.
The VB Superintendent and Chair Rye and Vice-Chair Melnyk made public statements attacking me without speaking to me. I believe they are trying to use their public positions to attack any opposition to their agendas, which include:
At the board meeting, it was stated that a majority of new ESL students come from Central America (I mistakenly thought administration said South America since their mask muffled their speech). I made a social media post and my political opponents twisted my words into something that I absolutely did not intend. I love all people, no matter where they are from. I come from a family of immigrants who came to this great country fleeing religious persecution, even having to become indentured servants, and my grandmother was Native American. The media and leftist narrative and cancel culture that paints everyone with whom they disagree as racist needs to end.
I believe it is our duty to provide an appropriate education to ALL students who reside in our city and I do fully support our ESL program and our wonderful ESL teachers. There is a teacher shortage and without teachers and proper funding, the current path is unsustainable.
The VB Superintendent and Chair Rye and Vice-Chair Melnyk made public statements attacking me without speaking to me. I believe they are trying to use their public positions to attack any opposition to their agendas, which include:
- Pornographic books : There are pornographic books in our schools accessible to children as young as 13 years old. These books show people performing oral sex and using sex toys in graphic pictures.
- Biased English textbooks : Proposed English textbooks for grades 6-12 presented to the Board for a vote did not follow proper procedures based on state law to notify parents in order for them to review and give feedback. These new textbooks, at the cost of over $2 million, are very politically skewed and heavily biased, which violates the VB School Board’s equity policy.
- Graduates not prepared : VBCPS has a graduation rate of 95% yet only 74% of students were found to be college or career ready. The number of students who are reading below grade level continues to increase. Teachers complain of being required to pass students who are failing.
- Discipline problems : Violent fights and drug use are spiraling out of control. Bathrooms in VBCPS have to be closed and very limited due to the dangers of drugs and fights.