Lucas Appointed to Governor-Elect’s Education Workgroup
[UPDATE: Ms. Lucas has clarified some of the questions posed in the post. See her comments below.]
On December 3, 2009, PWCS announced the resignation of Neabsco District School Board member Julie Lucas, effective December 31. Ms. Lucas was a dedicated board member who appeared to have the best interest of all PW kids on the front burner. She was accessible and was highly regarded by parents, staff, and administration.
Ms. Lucas cited care of her father as the reason for her departure and she did indicate she would be leaving Virginia to help her family. If she is leaving Virginia, how can she serve on the Governor-Elect’s Education Workgroup? Are we the public missing something here?
December 15, 2009
Julie Lucas Will Serve on Governor-Elect’s Education Workgroup
Governor-Elect Bob McDonnell has selected School Board member Julie Lucas (Neabsco) to serve on his transition team K–12 education workgroup. This group will advise the incoming Governor about the status of K–12 education in the Commonwealth, and will provide analyses and recommendations on K–12 education policy. Lucas will be serving along with Chairman At-Large Milton C. Johns, who was selected previously.
Would the interests of Prince William County Schools be better served by someone who lives in the State of Virginia? There is no lack of Republican school board members. This appointment just makes no sense to me or to those who have emailed me about it. Does Ms. Lucas have special expertise in some area of education that would make her a real catch regardless of where she lives?
It is good to see the Governor-elect attempting to put education as a priority. Let’s hope this is one area that doesn’t suffer massive budget cuts. Meanwhile, we wish Ms. Lucas well and thank her for her service to PWC. It just seems like a strange situation.
I’m as sympathetic as they come about anyone caring for a loved one. I was sadden to hear the reason for Ms. Lucas’ departure and truly wish her the best. One would think you would have to be living in Virginia for such an appointment. She did have to vacate her school board seat because she’d of state, and you would think the same would apply here.
In the mean time PWC needs to get a pair and close the schools Monday at that very least. Manassas City schools have announced that will be closed Monday. And don’t even get me started on the wasted money for kids to go for half a day.
oops…BE OUT of state, and…
This is a transition committee. We have already had our “big meeting” in Richmond. I spent over 30 hours of my time (while I’m also packing) to prepare for this meeting. Our report will be given to Governor Elect McDonnell by Jan. 4. I have spent over 7 years on the school board and have helped/worked with Governor Elect McDonnell over the past 9+ years. I’m honored to help him and happy to take my personal time to do it. We have a lot to be proud of here in PWC and I was very proud to share that along with my knowledge with the committee. I was the only elected school board representative at the meeting. Chairman Johns was unable to attend. I will also keep in touch with education issues in VA while I am helping my father who is very ill. If you or anyone else have any questions for me or my qualifications to serve on this transition committee please feel free to call me: 703-490-2338.
Thank you for your response and clarification, Ms. Lucas. I don’t think anyone questions your qualifications. You have more than proven yourself during your tenure as a school board member in Prince William County.
What was not clear, and this is not your fault, was the duration of the educational team committee. It was not clear that this was a transitional team. Also, it would not surprise me to learn you had special qualifications that would make tapping into your knowledge bank from afar, after you relocate, a good thing for Virginia.
Anti-bvbl blog, unlike some local blogs, asks a lot of qestions. We ask questions more than we make pronouncements. This post was inquiry only. Thanks to you, we have now learned that Mr. Johns was unable to attend a state meeting and that this committee was well-served by your presence.
We wish you the best. Caring for an older parent is never easy, especially when they are very ill. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We also hope you will return soon to this area. You have been an invaluable asset to Prince William County. Again, best wishes and thank you for clarifying.