Teachers from Gloucester County Public Schools joined about 2,000 educators, students and parents for the Put Kids First rally in Richmond on Saturday. The event was sponsored by the Virginia Education Association and the Virginia PTA. 

“The purpose was to send a strong message to the Virginia General Assembly that parents, teachers and students are demanding more adequate funding for public education and a greater emphasis on quality instruction and less emphasis on state-driven standardized testing,” said Gloucester Education Association president Brian McGovern, who attended the event.

McGovern said state funding for education remains below 2009 levels and per pupil funding ranks 38th in the nation. He said Virginia ranks 44th in the nation in revenue from state and local taxes, making it one of the most inexpensive states in the U.S. in terms of taxation. He also said the commonwealth ranks 38th in teacher salaries. 

The rally formed at the Richmond Convent...