We. Deserve. Better.

One in five West Virginia students relies on special education services.

Weakening federal oversight threatens IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) protections and the funding that ensures students with disabilities receive the education they are guaranteed. Stephanie will not allow a return to a time when those students were pushed aside.

Stephanie knows smaller class sizes aren’t a luxury, they’re essential to giving every student the attention and support they deserve. She believes expanding high-quality Pre-K is one of the most effective ways to close achievement gaps before they ever have a chance to widen.

With more than 70 schools closed or consolidated in just the past five years due to declining enrollment and budget cuts, our public education system needs leadership that puts all of our students first.

One in four of West Virginia's children lives in poverty. The hard truth is that hungry kids struggle in school-they're more likely to fail classes, more likely to receive discipline referrals, and more likely to be an absentee issue. Addressing child poverty isn’t just compassionate—it’s smart economic policy. When we invest in our children, we build a stronger workforce and a stronger West Virginia for the future.

West Virginia has one of the highest percentages of first-generation college students in the country. For many families, Pell Grants are the only path to higher education. When college becomes unaffordable, opportunity shrinks and generational poverty deepens.

Strong public schools. Protected special education. Affordable college. Respected professions. That’s how we build a West Virginia where our children don’t have to leave to succeed.

Education Policy Priorities

Protect Students with Disabilities. Defend strong federal oversight that safeguards students with disabilities. Fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) so schools aren’t forced to divert general classroom resources to meet mandated services. Oppose efforts to dismantle federal education protections that protect our most vulnerable students.

Defend College Access & First-Generation Students. Protect and expand Pell Grants. Simplify FAFSA access and support responsible debt relief options so higher education remains within reach.

Expand Free Lunch Initiatives. Maximize the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), ensuring universal access to meals.

Invest in Community Colleges & Workforce Pathways. Increase federal investment in community colleges and workforce-aligned degree and certification programs that meet the needs of our local economy.

Protect SNAP, Medicaid, & Medicare. Keep essential food and healthcare programs available, especially in rural and distressed areas, while linking benefits to workforce and family support programs.

Stand Up for Essential Professions. Protect professional licensure standards and ensure federal recognition and funding for accredited programs. Strengthen—not weaken—the pipeline for teachers, nurses, social workers, and other essential professionals.

Build Strong Partnerships with Trade Unions. Support public–union partnerships that expand apprenticeships and create clear pathways to skilled, good-paying jobs.