Issues

Jen Franklin is dedicated to reducing class sizes and attracting and retaining top-quality teachers for our esteemed Virginia Beach division. Her focus is on enhancing class discipline and school safety while preparing students to be workforce and career/military-ready.

Class Discipline and School Safety

Creating a safer environment for students, teachers, and staff is vital. I decided to run for School Board after having conversations with multiple teachers regarding the struggles they were having with discipline in the classroom. Some teachers felt unsafe around the students, and they also feel like they cannot control their classes. Education is the primary reason that we send students to school; if the teachers can’t do their job due to discipline and safety issues, then our tax money is not being well-utilized. Some children are also being harassed on buses and in schools; we need to address these deteriorating issues head-on and make our schools into positive places that improve teacher morale and respect learning.

Ensuring our division enables our students to be competitive for higher education

Applying to colleges and universities can be daunting and competitive. To ensure students are competitive for higher education, we can:

1. Enhance Curriculum: Continue to focus on offering advanced courses and electives that stay ahead of the curve academically.
2. Provide Support to our Counselors: To offer the best academic counseling and tutoring to their students.
3. Encourage Extracurriculars: Promote involvement in clubs, sports, and leadership roles.
4. Focus on Skills: Develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills.
5. Prepare for Tests: Offer test preparation resources and practice.
6. Facilitate Experiences: VBCPS excels in promoting internships, volunteering, and real-world experiences for our students. My objective is to significantly expand and enhance these opportunities.
7. Guide Applications: Assist with college applications and essay writing.

Workforce and Career-Ready

Our students have incredible potential to succeed in life, and our schools must find ways to guide students in not only attending college but also becoming workforce and career-ready. We see now more than ever that having career options open is incredibly important. Our division operates on three core pillars: Enlist, Enroll, and Employ. I am committed to creating opportunities for students to secure apprenticeships in high-demand, skill-based professions. By collaborating with the vibrant Virginia Beach community, we aim to expand career options and assist students in making informed career decisions. Additionally, our NROTC partnerships with the military are designed to prepare students for successful careers in the armed forces. As a retired veteran, I take immense pride in our division’s exceptional work in these areas.

Reduce Class Sizes and Attract Quality Teachers

A lower student-to-teacher ratio is crucial for student success, particularly in the early grades. It allows teachers to build stronger relationships with students and deliver more effective instruction. With fewer students in the classroom, learners benefit from a less distracting environment and more personalized feedback.

To ensure our school district remains competitive across Virginia and the Nation, attracting and retaining highly qualified education professionals must be a priority. Improving educational outcomes starts with recruiting and retaining exceptional teachers. Historically, the average teacher had 15 years of experience; today, this has reduced to just three years. Many teachers, despite their passion for the profession, are leaving due to inadequate support. It is essential for our school division to reassess its approach to long-term academic success by investing in and supporting highly qualified educators.