While it’s true that York County typically outperforms much of Virginia on average, the significance of this achievement diminishes in the face of our continuous decline over the past 13 years. In the academic year of 2011-2012, the SOL Writing Pass rate soared to nearly 95 percent; now, it barely reaches the upper 70th percentile. The past school administrations and the current superintendent, Vic Shandor, who coincidentally started his term in York County as the decline began, seem content with this downward trajectory, simply because our scores still exceed those of most of Virginia. This trend is troubling and should not be celebrated.
Education serves as the cornerstone of York County, attracting residents and defining our community. However, we cannot ignore the troubling trend of declining academic performance. While fresh perspectives on the board are promising, their effectiveness depends on their ability to address external pressures. We must prioritize education over political agendas, ensuring that our students receive the support they need to succeed. It’s time to reaffirm our commitment to educational excellence and work towards tangible improvements that benefit all citizens of York County.
