Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – As election day draws near, education remains a key issue for candidates, with differing approaches from Democrats and Republicans shaping their platforms. According to Lee Elberson, CEO of Clayborne Test Prep and Tutoring, the Democratic Party is advocating for federal investment in early childhood education and daycare programs, while the Republican Party generally believes that these responsibilities should fall more to parents. This fundamental divide reflects broader philosophies about the role of government in supporting education and child development. 

Elberson also addressed the challenges of seeing immediate changes from campaign promises. “In Albemarle County and Charlottesville City Schools, we’re probably not going to see impactful changes…within that president’s term,” he noted, adding that large-scale changes often require time due to complex federal and state systems. As voters prepare to cast ballots, Elberson encouraged attention to local races for more immediate impacts, explaining that “immediate impact is going to happen through funding,” which can quickly influence resources for local schools. 

Beyond policy changes, Elberson emphasized the importance of youth engagement, noting, “I’ve seen more and more student activists…they are very aware of the issues.” He encouraged students to explore how election issues affect them, saying this awareness will help them make informed decisions when they can vote, ultimately shaping a well-informed future generation.  

Listen here for the full conversation: