Public Statement

The Goochland Education Parents Association (GEPA) is a Chartered Parent Organization, established in January 2010. GEPA began when concerned parents, attending School Board meetings to advocate for the best interests of their own children, became increasingly frustrated with the School Board budget process. This informal group of like-minded parents started working together to protect the best interests of ALL of the children in the GCPS system. They formed a Google group for parents to share information and ideas and reached out to the PTA, only to find that the PTA could not enter into the budget process. Finally, they called an official meeting and decided that School Board issues could be most effectively addressed through a single, organized group. After hammering out the charter, and confirming JoD Hosken as Chairman, GEPA developed a comprehensive document addressing the 2010/11 School Board budget issues. This entire document was presented in nine consecutive parts by GEPA members at the January 12, 2010 School Board meeting.

According to Jane Christie, Vice Chairman of the Association, "GEPA membership is growing fast and many new members signed up after the January 12th School Board meeting. Parents are concerned that there will be a significant reduction in the quality of education offered in Goochland County if the School Board accepts the budget proposed by School Superintendent, Dr. Linda Underwood. This latest budget threatens to cut even more teaching positions than the last, but there are other areas where cuts could be made. We hope more parents will join us, to help support a quality education system in Goochland County for ALL of our children".

For more information, or to join GEPA, please contact the Secretary, Kristin McNaron via email at gepa@mcnaron.com, find us online at http://goochlandparents.blogspot.com, or look for GEPA members at any School Board meeting.