LYNCHBURG EDUCATION ASSOCIATION PRESS RELEASE: LEA Endorses Christina Delzingaro, Dave Henderson, and Nat Marshall

For Immediate Release

Lynchburg Education Association Endorses Three Candidates for Lynchburg City Council

Lynchburg City Schools has struggled mightily over the last four years with high staff turnover, crumbling infrastructure, declining test scores, and increased behavioral issues. Much of this is the result of improper funding and a lack of support from an ineffective city council. Council members seem more interested in power plays and infighting than in working together to solve many of the city’s issues. Currently, the schools are having to drastically cut program budgets to pay the matching funds for the 4% raises given by the state. The promised bonuses for staff retention have yet to materialize. City council still hasn’t taken up the matter, instead focusing their attention on personnel matters and public grandstanding. Meanwhile, our students are being directly impacted by this inaction and years of playing politics with how the school budget should be supported.

This Labor Day weekend, it is important to promote candidates who support the workers educating our children and laying the foundation for a successful community for generations to come. As such, the Lynchburg Education Association endorses the following candidates for the at-large seats on city council: Christina Delzingaro, Dave Henderson, and Nat Marshall.

Christina Delzingaro understands how health, housing, transportation, behavioral health, and family stability affect a student’s ability to learn. Her work at the Community Access Network helped unite healthcare providers, nonprofits, businesses, local government, and people without access to healthcare to build a unique care model that now serves more than 7,000 patients each year.

Delzingaro also understands the importance of parents and schools working together. “Lynchburg City Schools do far more than teach reading, math, science, and history,” she said. “In partnership with parents, they help children develop the knowledge, character, and skills they need to succeed in life. Schools are where students learn to think critically, work with others, respect different perspectives, resolve conflicts, serve their community, and understand the responsibilities that come with citizenship. They are also one of the few places where children from different backgrounds learn together, build lasting relationships, and develop a shared sense of community.”

Lynchburg Education Association president Karl Loos said this about Delzingaro: “She understands the complete picture of properly supporting the whole student - at home, at school, and in the community. Her experience with the Community Access Network will be a valuable asset in assisting students and families in getting the support that they need.”

Dave Henderson is a business owner who had two children go through LCS and is committed to improving the future for our students. He has a firm belief that Lynchburg City Schools can become one of the strongest public school systems in Virginia, but only if the city council, the school board, educators, families, and community partners are willing to work together with urgency and discipline.

“LCS is one of the foundations of Lynchburg’s future. Strong schools help children succeed, support working families, attract employers, grow neighborhoods, and strengthen the entire city,” said Henderson. “As a member of the city council, my funding priorities would start with Lynchburg City Schools because public education is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of our city.”

“Dave understands that a city council with a sense of urgency and practicality is what is needed in our community right now,” said Loos. “With his leadership, we could see a renaissance of public education in Lynchburg.”

Nat Marshall has extensive knowledge of Lynchburg City Schools through his work with the Partners in Education program for more than 35 years, including two stints as chairperson. He's been involved with the Boys and Girls Club and the Lynchburg Area Youth Sports Initiative, which has supported field days at local elementary schools.

“Education should be our number one priority. Everything else depends on it,” said Marshall. “(I want to) ensure every student matters. Companies need qualified, competent employees. The most loyal employees are those home-grown.”

“The Partners in Education program is one of the most successful initiatives in LCS history,” Loos said, “and Nat has been a big part of that. He has stated on many occasions that public education is his highest priority, and that’s the kind of commitment the students and staff of Lynchburg City Schools deserve.”

Contact: Karl Loos, LEA president 434.941.1854 karllooslea@gmail.com