Teacher pay, union recognition high on new WJCC school board member's to-do list

Good morning! Today we talk to Ty Hodges, incoming W-JCC school board member. A William & Mary report details China's sneaky investments in USA, and upcoming Thanksgiving closings.

Publisher’s Note: We will not publish Friday so we can take time off with our family.

Ty Hodges will represent Jamestown district on school board (picture courtesy Hodges)

The newest member of the Williamsburg-James City County school board says improving teacher and staff pay will be his A-1 issue when he takes his seat next year. Recognizing the local teacher’s union is an important step, Ty Hodges added in a recent interview with us.

“WJCC schools have fallen so far behind with regards to benefits and compensation, I really do think it’s an act of trust to teachers, especially coming on the heels of a new agreement with the county and the city,” Hodges said.

He said getting teachers more involved in the process can help solve some of the red flag issues he sees with schools, based on conversations with educators and parents on the campaign trail.

“We are seeing increased behavioral issues with kids who are coming into our schools, a number of children are coming in quite behind where yo…