Rallies set to support public education in Chesterfield

A parent group in Chesterfield County has scheduled seven rallies in the next three weeks to show support for public education in these tough economic times. The Chesterfield Citizens for Excellence in Education will kick off the events with their first rally at Harrowgate Elementary School today at 7 p.m.

"We encourage all parents to attend these rallies to voice their support for public education in Chesterfield," Stella Y. Edwards, president of the County Council of PTA/PTSAs, said in a statement. "We cannot afford to sit idly by as our children's future is affected by decisions made today."

The Chesterfield school system was saved from a dire situation in large part by $20.1 million in stimulus money from the federal government.

"While the federal stimulus package has allowed the superintendent and School Board to restore many of the instructional positions originally proposed for elimination, the school division still faces many challenges ahead," said Don Hall, a member of the group.

Here are other upcoming rallies in schools:

-- Juan Antonio Lizama