Student Wellbeing

The wellbeing of all students is a fundamental responsibility of a well-functioning public school system. Unfortunately, too many students struggle daily, both in and out of the classroom. While schools cannot solve every challenge a child may face, we have a moral obligation to support them as much as possible during the school day.

To that end, Ty Hodges advocates for the following common-sense solutions to ensure WJCC students can be safe, supported, and successful:

Preparing Our Students For What’s Next

Each student has their own hopes and dreams for what life will look like after school. It’s our responsibility to prepare them for the future, whether that involves higher education, employment, or enlistment.

For students planning to attend college, Ty wants to expand access to Advanced Placement courses so they can take classes aligned with their future areas of study.

For students entering the workforce after graduation, Ty supports expanding career training, apprenticeships, and trade programs by partnering with local and regional businesses to help students secure good-paying jobs in fields they are passionate about.

For students planning to enlist in the armed forces, Ty wants to explore the creation of a WJCC National Defense Cadet Corps (NDCC) program and work to establish a Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program.

Expanding opportunities for all students helps ensure the next generation is ready to meet whatever challenges life brings.

Taking Bullying and Harassment More Seriously

Bullying is a widespread issue that affects most students at some point during their school years. The rise of social media has exacerbated the problem, with cyberbullying making it even harder for students to escape harassment outside of school. The impact of bullying is well-documented – it hinders learning, contributes to mental and physical harm, and, in extreme cases, can lead to devastating consequences.

Ty believes WJCC must take a stronger stance by:

Expanding Mental Health Resources and Counselor Access

Every stage of a student’s education presents unique challenges. The transition from elementary to middle school brings social and academic adjustments, while high school presents increasing academic pressures and future planning concerns. Without proper support, these challenges can escalate into larger issues affecting students’ academic performance, social development, and overall well-being.

That’s why Ty supports:

Ensuring Free Breakfast and Lunch for All Students

While Williamsburg and James City County are generally affluent areas, many families still struggle with food insecurity. No child should have to learn on an empty stomach, yet too many students arrive at school hungry.

Currently, through a federal program, eight of WJCC’s 16 schools provide free breakfast and lunch to students. While income-based waivers exist for other schools, many families may not be aware of these programs or may struggle with the application process.

Ty believes that every student in WJCC should have access to free meals—no questions asked. By ensuring universal access to breakfast and lunch, we eliminate barriers to learning and allow all students to focus on their education, not their hunger.

Helping Teachers

WJCC teachers have been severely underpaid for years, leading to retention challenges and difficulties filling vacancies. A compensation study commissioned by the school board has highlighted this issue, and Ty believes the time to act is now to support the educators who work tirelessly to educate our children. That’s why Ty is the only school board candidate running in 2025 to receive the endorsement of WJCC teachers.

Ty is committed to making WJCC an attractive destination for teachers by advocating for the following:

Fighting for Better Pay and Collective Bargaining

Ty believes that great schools start with great teachers who choose to stay year after year. Right now, too many of WJCC’s best educators are leaving for other districts because pay and benefits are not keeping up. Ty will work to give teachers the right to negotiate together for fair pay and benefits, so students can keep learning from highly qualified educators. 

Hiring More Teacher Assistants

Our teachers are not just strapped for cash, they’re strapped for time. With demanding workloads, limited planning periods, and large class sizes, teachers often struggle to manage all their responsibilities effectively.

Ty believes WJCC must hire more teacher assistants to help alleviate these pressures. Expanding the number of assistants in our schools would:

Supporting Teachers in Teaching a Non-Political, Fact-Based Curriculum

Teachers are subject matter experts who have dedicated years of study to their fields. No one is better equipped to educate our children than those who have made teaching their profession. Yet, some politicians insist on inserting themselves into curriculum decisions, undermining educators and distorting history.

Ty strongly believes that teachers should be free to teach curricula rooted in facts, science, and history – not politics. Shielding students from difficult conversations does nothing but hinder their development and their ability to think critically.

In Ty’s view, the best learning environment is one that challenges students intellectually and broadens their worldviews. He will stand firmly with educators in ensuring that WJCC schools provide a rigorous, fact-based education that prepares students for the future.

Establishing a Teacher Resource Fund

It is unacceptable that underpaid teachers in our school system are spending upwards of $1,000 out of pocket to purchase school supplies for their classrooms. Expecting educators to personally fund basic classroom materials is an unfair burden that must end.

That’s why Ty proposes the creation of a Teacher Resource Fund, which would provide an annual pool of funding specifically for classroom supplies. With this initiative, we can ensure that teachers have the resources they need to create fully equipped learning environments without financial strain.

School Resources

One of the most important responsibilities of a school board member is crafting an annual budget that sets the foundation for the upcoming school year and establishes priorities for the district.

Ty is committed to fighting for increased funding to ensure that students and staff have access to modern tools and resources that enable them to be the best versions of themselves – both in and out of the classroom.

With additional funding, Ty believes WJCC can accomplish the following:

Filling Key Staff Vacancies

Between teacher turnover and the evolving demands of education, WJCC is struggling to fill key staff positions. Increased funding would allow us to offer more competitive salaries and benefits, ensuring that our schools are fully staffed with qualified professionals.

Additional funding would also allow WJCC to expand staffing in critical support roles, such as:

By filling these essential positions, we can create a more supportive and effective learning environment for both students and educators.

Upgrading Facilities and Equipment

Aging buildings and outdated equipment present significant challenges for every school district. From gymnasiums and athletic fields to HVAC systems and plumbing, years of wear and tear take their toll. When these systems fail, the entire school community suffers.

Ty is committed to ensuring that WJCC schools receive the funding necessary to:

Modern, well-maintained facilities create safer, more engaging learning environments, giving students and staff the tools they need to succeed.

Expanding Academic and Athletic Opportunities for Students

Increased funding would allow WJCC to provide new academic and extracurricular opportunities that help students discover their passions and develop new skills.

With additional resources, we could:

Ty believes that students thrive when they have the opportunity to explore subjects and activities that truly inspire them. By expanding academic and athletic offerings, we can ignite that spark and provide every student with a pathway to success.