After Annandale’s $1.5 million school levy failed in November, a group of local parents launched Cardinals Rising, a grassroots campaign to raise $500,000 to prevent teacher layoffs and preserve critical programs. With donations, fundraisers, and a GoFundMe page, the community is stepping up to close the funding gap caused by state aid falling 18% below inflation. As the district’s largest employer, the local schools’ success is crucial to the area’s future.