Democrat Donald S. Beyer Jr. and Republican James S. Gilmore III say education is their top priority in their campaigns to become Virginia's next governor. Following are highlights of their education plans.
Beyer's Plan
All estimated costs over four years
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Raise teacher salaries to national average |
$400 million
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Provide $2,000 college scholarships for high school students with B averages, and double money available for low-income students |
$280 million
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Continue college tuition freeze |
$80 million
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Help 250,000 adults receive GED's |
$6 million
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Bring all kindergarten to third-grade class sizes to 15 students (requiring 971 new teachers) |
$39 million
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Place reading teachers in all 800 elementary schools |
$10-15 million
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Preschool for all at-risk 4-year-olds |
$31 million
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Require PSAT tests for all 10th graders |
$2.5 million
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Create a professional standards board for teachers |
Minimal Cost
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Total Cost: |
At least $848.5 million-$853.5 million
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Gilmore's Plan
All estimated costs over four years
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Hire 4,000 new elementary teachers |
$200 million
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Provide $2,000 college scholarships for students with B averages |
$240 million
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Continue college tuition freeze |
$80 million
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Issue report cards on each school |
No cost available
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Open charter schools |
No cost available
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Provide liability insurance for teachers |
$12 million |
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Apoint panel to study higher education system |
Minimal cost |
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