Qarni Opposes Use of Public Funds to Establish Virginia Charter Schools, Fund Private Education

Democratic Candidate for State Senate Atif Qarni (29^th District) commented that he opposes Senator Obenshain’s proposed Constitutional Amendment to make it easer to establish charter schools in the state. “Senator Obenshain’s plan to take money from public schools to establish charter schools is not the fair chance all students deserve; this plan means giving up on public schools. As a public school teacher, I see that we’ve been systematically cutting public education funding in Virginia, and it’s time to put that practice to an end. I refuse to give up on public education as Senator Obenshain has. It is crucial that we continue to fight against these irresponsible and misguided attacks on our public school system.” Qarni, who is a Prince William County teacher, continues to speak out in favor of public education, and he is concerned that plans to cut education in the state have resulted in $1000 less allocated per student since 2009. “This is the wrong way to address our problems in education. As far as I’m concerned, this plan is cut-and-run, not leadership for the strong education that Virginia needs," Qarni said. Bristow Beat reached out to the Qarni campaign to see if the candidate also opposes providing public funds to special needs students in order to allow parents the choice of sending their children to public school, or private institutions. "Atif agrees with the Delegates who voted against this bill,” said spokesperson Jeff Allen. “He has taught and continues to teach some students that have special needs, and believes that current programs for them are strong. However, he does believe that bolstering these public programs for all students, as well as pushing our public schools to be facilities that work well for all children is crucial.” Allen said that Qarni does not believe that a bill that diverts funds from public service, would not truly serve the special needs population. “It would, much like Senator Obenshain's proposed amendment, divert funds from a public service Virginians should be able to count on- especially those with disabilities who deserve the state's support.” According to Davis, Atif Qarni is running for the Senate of Virginia because he believes our district needs a strong voice to continue the legacy of Senator Colgan- one who will fight for important issues like improving our schools by reducing class sizes, bringing more jobs to Prince William County, and reducing the burden of traffic and congestion. Qarni wants to continue his record of service to his country and his community that includes service in the armed forces as a Marine and as a public school teacher in Dale City.