EdNews Virginia | February 8, 2025

EdReform Virginia’s 3rd annual School Choice Week event drew a crowd of more than 50 on Saturday, Feb. 1. The event, held in Arlington, featured remarks from a variety of speakers on the need for educational freedom.

“The Nation’s Report Card came out just last week — and the results, frankly, were abysmal,” said EdReform Virginia Executive Director Nathan Brinkman. “We should view this as a five-alarm fire and treat it with that level of urgency.”

Virginia Education Secretary Aimee Guidera stressed the need for “high expectations,” while recognizing that “one size does not fit all” in K-12 education. “We just need to unleash opportunity in all kinds of ways,” Guidera said.

Following her remarks, Guidera presented EdReform Virginia with Governor Youngkin’s 2025 School Choice Week proclamation. “Virginia is committed to investing in innovative learning options, providing resources for parents to make the best choice to meet their child’s needs, and reducing barriers that prevent access to the courses, models, and learning environment they want to pursue,” the proclamation reads.

A panel discussion, moderated by EdReform Virginia board member Steven Mosley, focused on educational options that already exist today. In addition, several organizations and area schools had tables with more information available for attendees.

The Feb. 1 event concluded with insights from talk radio host Vince Coglianese. “I’m a big believer in school choice,” Coglianese said. “I send my daughter to Catholic school — she’s doing great.”

WATCH SECRETARY GUIDERA’S REMARKS:

SEE MORE VIDEOS AT YOUTUBE.COM/@EDREFORMVA