*VPM Intern Patrick Larsen reported this story.
Hundreds came to the state Capitol Monday to advocate for more school funding in the state budget. Teachers and parents from around the Commonwealth showed up, but were not alone - students took to Capitol Square as well.
Many of the students at the Virginia Education Association’s “Fund Our Future” rally had ideas for how money could be spent in their classrooms.
Arjanae Avula graduated from Richmond Public Schools last year and has younger siblings still there. She wants school funding to be more equitable, or spread out according to need.
“Because - even if you don’t have a lot of money, that shouldn’t determine if you get a good education or not,” Avula said.
Thomas Shenk goes to Binford Middle School in Richmond and said he came to the Capitol to support his school and teachers - but he’d also love some technology upgrades.
“Our computers are a bit wonky,” Shenk said.
Class was canceled for Richmond schools Monday. According to Richmond Public Schools, about a third of teachers called out to attend the rally.