I am enthusiastically endorsing Melissa Dart for 56th Virginia District delegate. The Democratic primary for this seat is
June 13. I urge all who don’t usually vote in primaries to do so this year. Like many folks, Melissa had a political awakening in November. But she really felt compelled to run in February when Betsy DeVos was confirmed as Secretary of Education. Melissa has a son, Leo, who has had multiple special needs challenges since birth. Leo, along with his brother, Peter, and their younger brother, Joseph, have all been educated in the Henrico County Public School System.
With daily threats encroaching on public education funding, Melissa wants to work in the House of Delegates to create a state-level firewall to protect Leo and thousands of other Special Needs students in 56th Virginia District counties just like him. Her current role on the Henrico County Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) uniquely prepares her to do just that. As a member of the SEAC, Melissa provides advice regarding the needs of students with disabilities, collaborates with school personnel, families and the community and makes recommendations to the School Board regarding the education of students with disabilities.
As a career educator, having served as a teacher, principal, central office staff member and specialist at the Virginia Department of Education as well as a school superintendent, I know the counties of the 56th District well and believe Melissa has unique qualities to serve these counties with passion and dedication. She has pledged to work for the benefit all children. Again, I fully support her candidacy. Please support Melissa Dart for the 56th District delegate seat.
Dr. Harold “Bud” Cothern
Retired Superintendent
Goochland County Public Schools