Public schools should provide a safe, dynamic, and engaging environment for children to learn and grow academically, emotionally, socially and physically. This is achieved by recruiting, supporting and retaining high-quality teachers and staff, maintaining small class sizes and intentional and limited use of iPads in the classroom.

According to the 2023 WABE Report, Arlington has the highest average teacher pay among local districts and is second in the region in terms of pay to first-year masters and middle masters and in terms of the max salary, though we are fifth in pay for teachers starting with a bachelors degrees. APS must keep up with our neighboring districts to recruit top candidates.

Similarly, APS has repeatedly increased class sizes almost to the point of breaking. The changes APS adopted last year have helped address some of the classroom crowding issues in the middle and high schools, however more needs to be done. Large class sizes are a detriment to teachers and students, and reducing class sizes will create a better learning environment and teaching experience.

Finally, children need to work more with manipulatives and less with screens. Screentime should be purposeful and limited, as only a small part of a well-rounded, active learning environment that fosters creativity in all our students.