You may have read recently that VDOE made an error that may cost school divisions across the Commonwealth a grand total of 200 million dollars. The error was contained in the calculation tool that the VDOE sends to school divisions so they can determine how much state funding they will receive under the Governor’s proposed budget. The hit to FCPS is 1.3 million. The explanation provided by the State Superintendent was that a “human error” had occurred, but information coming from Richmond suggests that the GA will work together and figure out a solution.

I’m writing this post not to bash VDOE or the State Superintendent. On the contrary. Kudos to VDOE for owning the error and working to find a solution. As much as I hate to (potentially) lose 1.3 million, I appreciate leadership that owns their mistakes. We don’t see a lot of that these days, possibly because so many out there are so anxious to capitalize on the errors of others.  What we saw coming from Richmond was an almost immediate effort by some to score points politically. I get it…that’s politics and that’s what happens when blood appears in the water.

We all make mistakes, some big and some small. Certainly, this was a huge mistake, but a repairable one. The willingness and courage to admit when we’ve made a mistake should always be applauded.