Ms. Sancken clearly states the issues regarding loss of state and local funding with quotes from Mrs. Gayle von Keyserling, Fluvanna County adult and family education teacher. Truly Mrs. von Keyserling is an exemplary educator, the winner of many awards including 2010 runner-up as The National Center for Family Literacy’s Toyota Family Literacy Teacher of the Year. Ms. Sancken also included comments from Susan Erno, program coordinator, Adult Learning Center in Charlottesville and program manager for Thomas Jefferson Area Adult Education of which Fluvanna is part. We so much appreciated her description of Fluvanna County’s Families Learning Together as “such an outstanding program” and that no other such program in the state is “as effective as they are.”
In addition Ms. Sancken’s inclusion of the comments of School Board Members Carol Carr and William Hughes demonstrates their depth of understanding of the value of Families Learning Together. Of special note is Mr. Hughes’ mention of the “great personal sacrifice” involved to keep the program going with grant funds only. In these challenging economic times, charitable giving has taken a hit and grant applications face tremendous competition. Mr. Hughes is absolutely correct in his statement that “We need a sustainable budget.” Hopefully the Fluvanna Community is now on high alert, ready to stand up for K-12 and adult education. Parents are an integral part of their children’s education. Families Learning Together promotes academic success for both children and their parents.
Many thanks again to Kristin Sancken and the Fluvanna Review for bringing this matter to light!
