Governor Kaine Announces Appointments to Start Strong Pre-K Council

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the following appointments to the Start Strong Pre-K Council, which will focus on developing an affordable, effective, and efficient blueprint for expanding access to high-quality, pre-kindergarten education to every child in Virginia.

“High quality preschool is vital to a child's success later in school and in life,” said Governor Kaine. “There is a compelling educational and business case for high quality early education. It is critical that all of Virginia's children have the fundamental skills to read on grade level by the third grade and succeed in school.”

The Start Strong Pre-K Council will develop strategies to build on the existing network of public, private, and faith-based providers across the Commonwealth. The Council shall meet at least quarterly to oversee the development of early childhood education programs in the Commonwealth. Members of the Council will serve without compensation.

• Deborah J. Battle of Virginia Beach, pre-kindergarten teacher, City of Norfolk Public Schools;
• The Honorable John H. Chichester of Fredericksburg, member, Senate of Virginia;
• Elizabeth M. Cranwell of Roanoke County;
• Renee Dino of James City County, supervisor of Early Childhood Education for Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools;
• Robert H. Dugger III of Alexandria, managing director, Tudor Investment Corporation;
• The Honorable Phillip A. Hamilton of Newport News, member House of Delegates;
• Michael N. Harreld of Chevy Chase, Maryland, president, PNC Bank, Greater Washington Region;
• The Honorable Karen H. Hodock of Bland County, member, Board of Supervisors;
• Kimberley Hundley of James City County, kindergarten teacher, Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools;
• Dr. Suzanne Clark Johnson of Richmond, president, Voices for Virginia’s Children;
• Dr. Stephen C. Jones of Norfolk, superintendent, City of Norfolk Public Schools;
• Patricia M. Kluge of Albemarle, chairwoman, Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard;
• The Honorable K. Rob Krupicka of Alexandria, member, City Council, City of Alexandria;
• Iris Angelica Leguizamo of Loudoun, center director, NOVA Child Development Center;
• The Honorable Mamie E. Locke of Hampton, member, Senate of Virginia;
• The Honorable Kenneth R. Plum of Fairfax, member, House of Delegates;
• Dr. Dwight Riddick of Hampton, senior pastor, Gethsemane Baptist Church;
• Dr. Jeanne Roper of Montgomery County, vice president/past president, Valley Interfaith Child Care Center;
• Judith M. Rosen of Fairfax, director, Fairfax County Office for Children;
• Walter Rugaber of Patrick County, retired president and publisher of The Roanoke Times and former Interim President of Hollins University;
• The Honorable Bob Tata of Virginia Beach, member, House of Delegates;
• Stephen P. Troxell of Staunton, director, Shenandoah Valley Head Start Program;
• Allison P. Weinstein of Richmond, president and chief operating officer, Weinstein Properties.

# # #