In this election season, as we evaluate candidates and their platforms, we must recognize the critical role that K-12 public education plays in shaping our future. The choices we make at the ballot box directly impact our schools, our children, and the communities we cherish. West Virginia is now better equipped to support the varying needs of families through expanded school choice, including public schools, private schools, parochial schools, homeschooling, microschools, and public charter schools.
As a lifelong educator, both as a teacher and a school administrator, I passionately believe that the “one-size-fits-all” model for education is outdated. I’ve personally used both public and virtual public charter schools as valuable options for my own child, and I shifted my career into public charter schools to help deliver an exceptional, flexible education to students.
Today, public education faces serious challenges—funding shortfalls, teacher shortages, and disparities in access. These issues hit low-income, rural, and marginalized communities the hardest, deepening existing inequalities. It is crucial that candidates not only understand these challenges but offer concrete solutions to address them. We need to elect leaders who can think beyond traditional school models and embrace a range of educational options for families.
As voters, we must scrutinize candidates’ positions on education. Do they support increased funding for public schools? Are they committed to improving teacher pay and professional development? Do they promote equity and inclusivity in our classrooms? Candidates who prioritize education will shape the quality of learning our children receive for years to come.
Every election is an opportunity for us to advocate for the future of education. We must engage our communities in conversations about the importance of public education and encourage others to consider education in their voting decisions. By mobilizing around this issue, we can ensure that education remains a top priority for our elected officials.
As we prepare to cast our votes, let’s remember that our choices will shape the educational landscape for generations to come. By prioritizing K-12 public education in our voting decisions, we can work towards a future where every child has access to quality education—whether it’s preparing for college, entering the workforce, or enlisting in the military. Let’s make our voices heard, because education matters.
In West Virginia, we must support the diverse needs of our students. By offering a variety of school options, including public charter schools, we empower families and create opportunities that help students prepare for their future—whether through further education, employment, or enlistment.
Join me in demanding that candidates prioritize public education. Attend community forums, engage in discussions, and most importantly, vote. Our children’s futures depend on it.
Cheryl Stahle is the Academic Administrator at WV Virtual Academy and a 2024 Changemaker recognized by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.